During the past 25 years, biotechnology has revolutionized agricultural
research. The enormous potential, together with a landmark decision by
the US Supreme Court to allow the patenting of genetically-engineered
organisms has encouraged private sector companies to invest in
agricultural biotechnology research programmes. This has contributed to
a rapid growth in interest in intellectual property rights as applied to
this subject. The first edition of this book was published in 1998. Now
fully revised and updated, it presents definitive information on
intellectual property law in a simplified form (with a minimum of legal
jargon). New chapters have been added which cover plant variety
protection and farmers rights, as well as additional case studies.