Homework SourseSummarize the arguments for and against patenting geneticall
Solution
I have grouped the statements into different parts and have provided a brief justification for each
For Patenting
Patenting encourages innovation. By ensuring recognition and monetary benefits derived from the patent, Patenting encourages people/companies to innovate
Patenting makes the modification mechanism public. This brings transparency so public can make their own judgement regarding the genetically modified organisms. Also it helps other people develop similar or better technologies for future use
Patenting allows the cost of discovery to be recovered. Discovery project like making a genetically modified organism cost a lot of money and time. Patenting helps ensure that the researcher is able to recover the investment made. This enables further discovery research also
Against patenting
Patenting stifles free enterprise. By preventing others from utilizing a new technology, patenting stifles free enterprise
Patenting may limit access to products. By limiting the cultivation of genetically modified organism to only the inventer, patenting might prevent the products from reaching all areas of the world. Also usually the inventer keeps the prices higher which also limits the access to the products
Wrong Statements:
Patenting sets fixed prices: By preventing others from making and selling a product, patenting actually prevents setting of fixed prices for products. Under patent products are usually priced higher compared to off-patent products
Patenting allows only one company to develop the products: There is no restriction on companies to develop the products. All companies are free to develop the products however patenting prevents companies from selling the products and make profits.
Patenting forces farmers to grow a limited suit of crops: Farmers have the choice of growing any crops and patenting doesn’t affect this choice in anyway!
