It is generally accepted that the first biotech inventions
gave rise to the field of zymotechnology (industrial fermentation) which lead
to large scale beer production in the 1800’s. This paved the way for the
numerous ground-braking biotech inventions which saw the light especially late
in the 20th Century. The most significantly influenced disciplines are
agriculture, drug development and medicinal treatments, food processing,
biofuel development and more recently nature conservation and sustainable development.
A comprehensive time line illustrating the development of biotechnology can be
found at http://www.quincy.ca/timelines/t_biotech.html
as adopted from the article titled “Landmark Discoveries in Biotechnology”
(American Biotechnology Laboratory (ABL), March 2001, pp. 22 and 24) by Dr. Rathin
C. Das, Editor, molecular biology and biopharmaceuticals, American
Biotechnology Laboratory.
Inventions of biotechnological nature can be patented and
thus are regarded as intellectual property which is under the protection of
specific laws. Thus biotechnology gave rise to the field of Biotech Patent Law
which is predominantly occupied with the issuing and protection of rights involving
biotech intellectual property. I am interested in the field of biotech patent
law and by taking additional LLB modules while completing my MSc project I’m able
to work towards a qualification that will enable me to one day practise as a
patent attorney. The path that has to be followed in order to obtain such qualifications
is long and tedious and strict requirements are to be met. Even though technically
a three year BSc degree or national diploma is regarded as a sufficient
technical qualification in life sciences, a postgraduate degree(s) is of incredible
value and almost regarded too as a requirement. Furthermore a four year LLB degree is to be
obtained and before practising as a patent attorney, a prospective candidate must
complete a two year period of articles with a law firm as a candidate patent
attorney, as well as pass the attorney’s admission examination administered by
the Law Society; and complete a two-year training course in Patent Law and
Practice and pass the first and second year examinations (administered by the
Patent Examination Board).
I find my MSc project playing a particularly beneficial role
in the process of becoming a biotech patent attorney not only because it
involves modern research strategies aimed at providing solutions to the needs
of the relevant industry but also because it involves a number of possible
patents that might arise from such research. To be directly involved in such a
process of planning and executing scientific techniques that will provide data for
meeting the requirements of obtaining patent rights is wonderful privilege. Numerous
other skills arise as by-products of a postgraduate degree: Attention to
detail, analytical reasoning and communication skills to name just a few. Furthermore
a better in-depth understanding is obtained of not only the relevant field of
research but also other related fields through seminars, forums, conferences
and other networking opportunities.
I look forward to the day when I may disclose those aspects
of my MSc project which have been patented and which hopefully find useful
application within the specific agricultural industry. To explain the research
methodology and processes involved and out of an attorney’s point of view the
laws that protect the intellectual property thereof would be a glorious
achievement.
“If you have enthusiasm, you have a very dynamic, effective
companion to travel with you on the road to Somewhere.” Loretta
Young
No comments:
Post a Comment