A Guide to Biotechnology Patent Law   Tags: advanced_legal_research, biotechnology_law, intellectual_property  

This research guide is intended for use by those interested in biotechnology law. This research guide combines sources that will be most helpful to those new to the field of patent law, specifically in the area of biotechnology.

Biotechnology is broadly defined as the use of biological processes and organisms for the manufacture of products that are used to improve human health. The biotechnology field has grown rapidly over the past three decades since the Supreme Court found that living organisms where patentable subject matter in Diamond v. Chakrabarty. This year marks the ten year anniversary of the sequencing of the initial draft of the human genome. The past decade has seen a continued explosion of genetic information available to scientists and patients. Due to the rapid advancement of these genetic technologies, both the patent laws and regulatory laws seek ways to evolve and keep up with this dynamic area of science.

This research guide is an attempt to compile important statutes, regulations, and cases relevant to the field of biotechnology law and patent prosecution. In addition, there are a number of links to important resources for searching prior art in the field of biotechnology. Finally, there are links to recent law review articles and blogs that give an overview of current issues of interest to the biotechnology patent prosecutor.

Donald Prather is a part-time law student at Georgia State University College of Law. Prior to his interest in patent law, he obtained a Ph.D. in Genetics from Harvard University and began working as a scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He continues to work at CDC in the technology transfer office where he combines his interests in biotechnology and intellectual property law. 

Bibliographies on this Web site were prepared for educational purposes by law students as part of Nancy P. Johnson's Advanced Legal Research course. The Law Library does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided. Thorough legal research requires a researcher to update materials from date of publication; please note the semester and year the bibliography was prepared.