Reaping the Benefits of Genomic and Proteomic Research
Contributors
Editors: Stephen A Merrill and Anne-Marie Mazza. National Research Council (US) Committee on Intellectual Property Rights in Genomic and Protein Research and Innovation.Excerpt
Avoiding a conflict between open dissemination and access to scientific discoveries and the protection of inventors' rights is critical to furthering scientific progress and enhancing human health. It also is critical that as science evolves, we stop to assess whether the appropriate mechanisms to prevent such a conflict remain in place. This report is just such an assessment—a marker in time that looks at the state of genomic and proteomic research and the current policies and practices promoting or restricting the dissemination of scientific information, tools, and products, and asks, "are there any storms over the horizon?"
This study was supported by Contract No. N01-OD-4-2139, between the National Academies and the National Institutes of Health. In addition, the study was supported by Affymetrix Inc., Agilent Technologies, Amgen, Biotechnology Industry Organization, Chiron Foundation, Pfizer Inc., and the Bellagio Center of the Rockefeller Foundation. The views presented in this report are those of the National Research Council Committee on the Intellectual Property Rights in Genomic and Protein Research and Innovation and are not necessarily those of the funding agencies.
NOTICE: The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The members of the committee responsible for the report were chosen for their special competences and with regard for appropriate balance.