Patenting Animal Genetics and DNA-Based Processes: Implications for the Pork Industry

Abstract

Advances in biotechnology show great promise for animal agriculture. Decreased public funding of agricultural research has led to encouragement of private funding at public institutions. Intellectual property rights provide incentives for researchers and avenues to recoup costs or realize profits. The appropriateness of patenting of animals and animal parts such as altered DNA sequences or DNA-based tests have been established by U.S. courts and agencies. Private research investors seek a return on their investment, and thus require exclusive rights to use inventions. Limited access to new innovations and high license fees cause concern and debate about fairness, distribution of profits, and dispersion of new processes. Increased public funding of basic research is needed to keep a balance with private research investment. Some refinement of intellectual property rights procedures is needed. Provisions should be made for DNA-based tests to be broadly accessible for the most possible benefit of producers and consumers.