Gene editing in agriculture has made leaps over the past decade, from CRISPR breakthroughs to trials with GABA-enriched tomatoes and disease-resistant rice. While the potential is vast, regulatory frameworks - especially in the EU - remain a challenge.
In this latest Agri-TechE member article, Andrea Williams, Partner at Marks & Clerk, dives into the evolving legal landscape for gene-edited plants.
As a patent attorney, I have serious concerns about the implications of such a ban. While the intention may be to promote access and prevent monopolisation, it seems difficult to conceive how a ban would not ultimately stifle innovation and investment in this critical field.
Patents in particular play a crucial role in incentivising research and development, particularly in fields like biotechnology that require a substantial upfront investment. In the context of gene-edited crops, a patent can protect groundbreaking innovations that have the potential to address global challenges such as food security, climate change adaptation, and sustainable agriculture.
/Passle/6130aaa9400fb30e400b709a/SearchServiceImages/2024-11-20-11-45-19-986-673dcbcfd15198c146b1d09b.jpg)
/Passle/6130aaa9400fb30e400b709a/SearchServiceImages/2024-11-19-16-07-10-944-673cb7ae9e69c3dc65f4cae0.jpg)
/Passle/6130aaa9400fb30e400b709a/SearchServiceImages/2024-11-19-13-47-20-425-673c96e89e69c3dc65f45d48.jpg)