Publications
Publication details
Cornish, W.R., Llewelyn, M. & Adcock, M.D. (2003). A Study into the Impact and Management of Intellectual Property Rights within the Healthcare Sector. Cambridge., Public Health Genetics Unit.- Publication type: Reports: official
- Keywords: Intellectual property,genetics, health care, management.
- View online: Online version
Author(s) from Durham
Abstract
Intellectual property rights and genetics
A study into the impact and management of intellectual property rights within the healthcare sector
Intellectual property rights (IPRs) are playing an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery and are particularly relevant to the development of genomic medicine. IPRs allow companies to recoup the cost of expensive research and development programmes, but for the healthcare sector they may lead to unacceptable barriers, increasing costs and restricting access to medicines and diagnosis.
Recognising the importance of this issue, the Department of Health funded a two-year study on the impact and management of IPRs within the healthcare sector. The study was a joint project of Professor Bill Cornish (University of Cambridge Intellectual Property Unit), Dr Margaret Llewelyn and Dr Mike Adcock (University of Sheffield Institute of Biotechnological Law and Ethics), and was overseen by Dr Ron Zimmern of PHGU.
The report, published in July 2003, outlines current IPR legislation, discusses other relevant issues such as human rights, looks at the balance between industry and the healthcare sector and identifies the main issues of contention. By emphasising the IPR needs of the healthcare sector, the report will be critical in helping to develop a positive, effective and appropriate IPR management strategy.