Research exemptions: do patents inhibit biomedical innovation?

The case of Integra LifeSciences v MerckKGaA has revitalised debate over whetherbasic research should be subject to claimsof patent infringement. While it is oftenbelieved that patents do not apply to thoseperforming basic research – particularly inan academic setting – this assumption iscontrary to the explicit wording of the patentstatutes.