The patentability of biotechnology in Europe

Should genetic modifications be patentable?Opponents of the patent system are clear:patents can block access to geneticresources, as may be seen in theagricultural field, for example. But despitethis (sometimes grounded) opposition, it isalso recognised that patents are essentialto foster innovation and growth in thebiotechnology sector. Indeed, various studieslink strong innovation and performance tothe health of a company’s patent portfolio.