| Abstract: | Staff morale and billions in potential profits are riding on the outcomes of current patent disputes within the biotechnology industry. Fox reports on the participants and products involved in six actions, some over substances that are still being tested. Companies often use these legal contests to gain an edge on the competition; some firms without the resources to wage long court cases will go under or be bought out, while others will be forced to disclose research secrets to defend themselves against charges of patent infringement. Given the nature of the genetic engineering industry, patent battles are expected for years to come. |
