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.
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