Promoting plant innovation in Australia: Maximising the benefits of intellectual property for Australian agriculture

The past three decades have seen a dramatic increase in patenting activity for plant inventions in Europe and the US. There is also anecdotal evidence that similar trends are occurring in Australia. While the consequences of the proliferation of patents in medical biotechnology have been thoroughly investigated, comparatively little attention has been given to the impacts of patenting in ag-biotech, particularly in Australia. This project aims to rectify this deficienty by examining the extent to which patents are now being used to protect plant innovations. It will also provide policy-makers and stakeholders with a thorough analysis of, and clear recommendations on, the ramifications, both positive and negative of this trend.