PATENTS AND THE BIOTECHNOLOGY SECTOR
Overview of Federal Law and Court Precedent
A t its simplest, biotechnology is technology based on biology; it involves the use of a broad range of techniques and procedures for modifying living organisms to suit human purposes. Biotechnology has applications in engineering, manufacturing, food science, and, most prominently, medicine, in which it has facilitated a number of innovations. Without biotechnology, a variety of cell and tissue culture technologies, pharmaceuticals, and combined diagnostic-therapeutic treatments could not exist. The biotechnology industry is relatively young and exhibits significant growth potential. Revenue for 2012 is expected to increase 3.9 percent to $87 billion, and the five-year annual growth rate for 2012…
