Researchers at Canada's McGill University studied patent systems from around the world and have found that, regardless of the country, the world's patent system is in serious trouble. "We found the same stumbling blocks in the traditional communities of Brazil as we did in the boardroom of a corporation." said Richard Gold, chair of the International Expert Group that produced the report. "Most striking is that no matter where we looked, the lack of trust played a vital role in blocking negotiations that could have benefited both sides, as well as the larger public." The study authors call the biotech patent system "outdated," and contrast it with the far more successful IT patenting system.
The problems, they say, is that fixation on patents and privately-controlled research has hampered innovation. Those that hold the the most patents are the least likely to collaborate, and the current system breeds mistrust among companies and researchers. "We need an IP system that will support collaborations...This means the laws may have to be changed, but more importantly, it means that we have a lot of work to do to change behaviors and build trust among all the players," observed Gold.
The study, which can be viewed here, included recommendations for governments, industry leaders, researchers and universities.
- see the patent study release