Hyperownership in a Time of Biotechnological Promise: The International Conflict to Control the Building Blocks of Life
- 1 October 2004
- journal article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in American Journal of International Law
- Vol. 98 (4) , 641-685
- https://doi.org/10.2307/3216691
Abstract
“Hyperownership” describes in a word the present international legal landscape with respect to genetic material. At issue is who should own or control access to the subcellular genetic sequences that direct the structure and characteristics of all living things, or, in popular usage, nature’s or God’s blueprints for life. Traditionally, genetic material belonged to a global commons or open system. No one exclusively owned this material and countries freely shared it. In sharp contrast, today exclusive ownership and restrictions on the sharing of genetic material are the international norm.Keywords
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