Publisher's Synopsis
A fascinating collection of essays, this study analyzes the issue of property rights, the growing private possession of life and ideas, and the erosion of human rights as a result. From a wide range of experts and specialists, the breadth of topics discussed include genetically engineered crops, patented computer programs, harvesting of human cells, and the exploitation of biodiversity including the use of molecules and atoms for private profit. From court cases on individuals seeking the property rights to their own spleen cells to corporations securing the rights to breast cancer genes, this timely and topical collection will be of interest to anyone wanting to know more about the future of patents, science, and the modern world.
