Ochrona Patentowa Biorrrnorodnooci Morskiej Poza Granicami Jurysdykcji Paastw Oraz Problemy Z Zastosowaniem Reeimu WWasnooci Intelektualnej (TRIPS) (Marine Biological Diversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. Selected Problems with the Application of Intellectual Property Regime (TRIPS))

Abstract

Polish Abstract: Artykul wyjaśnia, czym jest bioroznorodnośc morska z perspektywy prawa miedzynarodowego i Porozumienia w sprawie handlowych aspektow praw wlasności intelektualnej (TRIPS). Nastepnie podjete jest zagadnienie mozliwości zastosowania rezimu, określonego w Konwencji NZ o prawie morza z 1982 r. (UNCLOS), morskich badan naukowych do tzw bioposzukiwan (bioprospecting). Wreszcie, artykul analizuje problematyke mozliwości patentowania elementow bioroznorodności oraz zastosowania TRIPS do morskich zasobow genetycznych znajdujących sie poza granicami jurysdykcji panstw. English Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present and analyze basis legal issues related to the applicability of patent law (as reflected in the TRIPS agreement) to elements of marine biological diversity (with a special emphasis to marine genetic resources, MGRs) that are to be found in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). Firstly, the paper characterizes marine biodiversity in ABNJ (taking as a main example hydrothermal vents) and, secondly, presents fundamental legal environment (that is: the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, UNCLOS, and Convention on Biological Diversity, CBD). Thirdly, the focus of this article turns to showing the commercial interest in MGRs in ABNJ, as well as ways those resources can be obtained. Since the primary activity in that respect is bioprospecting, it is necessary to analyze whether it falls within the scope of marine scientific research, as regulated in UNCLOS (Part XIII). Subsequently, the legal status of MGRs in the Area and High Seas are elaborated on, especially taking into consideration the principle of common heritage of mankind and its implications for the MSR conducted in the Area. Finally, against the above-described background, this paper explores the applicability of the intellectual property regime, as reflected in TRIPS, to the MGRs in ABNJ. This task is achieved in two main steps. Initially, basic TRIPS' regulations are reflected upon with a special emphasis on Article 27 para. 3 exception that relates to 'plants and animals other than micro-organisms, and essentially biological processes for the production of plants or animals other than non-biological and microbiological processes'. Secondly, the broader issue of the patentability of living organisms (or parts thereof) is considered. The article concludes with final reflections relating to the 'patentability question' as well as relationship of TRIPS and UNCLOS.