Roślinne zasoby genetyczne jako przedmiot praw własności intelektualnej

Extension of the scope of the application of contemporary intellectual property rights for the newer objects under protection is a noticeable trend. Plant genetic resources are gaining more and more protection among the new intellectual property which is the object of rights to intangible assets. The concept of plant genetic resources has been defined in a number of international instruments such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, or the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. In the general context the term ‘plant genetic resources’ relates to any genetic material of plant, in particular applied for its propagation. The characteristic feature of plant genetic resources thus defined is that they are subject not only to one form of protection of intangible property, but they could find protection based on the rules pertaining to the exclusive right of plant varieties, patents, or the rights protecting from unfair competition. Such wide protection of plant genetic resources can pose controversies towards developing biotechnological monopolies concerning maintenance of food security. However, the role of legal regulations is searching for a balance between the need to support implementation of modern technologies relating to development of genetic resources and the respect to interests of society.