Traditionally, economic progress is considered to be one of the common interpretations of public interest. Recently, consensus has grown that public interest also includes public health objectives. The present paper examines to what extent the concept of public interest can be understood to...

The present paper examines the last, quintessential steps in the parcours towards the final implementation of the EU Biotechnnology Directive in Belgian patent law. Whereas the first bill was hotly debated in parliament [see G. Van Overwalle, ‘Of Green Mice with Red Ears’,...

The present paper provides a thorough analysis of the genesis and content of the Belgian Bill of September 21 2004 implementing the EU Biotechnology. A careful comparison is made with the previous Bill of June 21 2002. Wide attention is also paid to the opinion of the Conseil d’ Etat regarding...

Information and knowledge form the very basis of scientific progress. Access to information and disclosure of research results are key to the advancement of a knowledge economy. Current academic knowledge development, however, is characterized by two tendencies which may form a threat to further...

The paper discusses the difficult genesis of the EU Biotechnology Directive and highlights how the Belgian legislator interpreted the Directive. Attention is also paid to other treaties and conventions which have influenced the patentability of biological inventions. The paper concludes that the...