Discovery, Invention, and Intellectual Property

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers concepts related to discovery versus invention, intellectual property laws, patenting in biology, and bioethics/biosafety protocols.

Discovery

The finding of something which was in the world since the very beginning but was not exposed to the public, which can be done knowingly or unknowingly.

Serendipity

The act of making a discovery unknowingly, such as the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming.

Invention

The development of something new which does not exist, representing the application of preexisting knowledge.

Intellectual Property (IP)

A legal field referring to rights related to creations of the mind, such as musical, literary, and artistic works, inventions, symbols, and names used in commerce.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

A general term for the assignment of property rights through patents, copyrights, and trademarks, allowing the holder a monopoly for a specified period.

Copyright

Exclusive rights to control the reproduction or adaptation of creative works, generally lasting $60$ to $70$ years after the creator's death.

Trademark

A type of intellectual property protection that can last indefinitely if renewed.

Industrial Properties

A collective term for commercial intellectual properties, including inventions protected by patents, industrial designs, and trade secrets.

Intellectual Property Right Protection Act (IPP)

Specifically referred to as Law no.$82$ of $2002$, protecting the intellect of an individual or organization.

Biopatent

A patent on an invention in the field of Biology that allows the holder to exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing the protected invention for a limited time.

Patent Duration

A period of $20$ years from the filing date; patent term extensions are not available in India.

Plant Breeder’s Right (PBR)

The protection of a new plant variety that has been created through breeding procedures and selection.

Farmer’s Right (FR)

The right for farmers to produce seeds from a hybrid plant and raise the seedling for their agricultural purpose.

ELSI

An acronym representing Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues associated with biotechnology, such as GMOs, cloning, and stem cell technology.

Genetically Modified Microbes (GMM)

Microbes introduced for industrial purposes that may lead to the generation of infectious organisms.

Biosafety

Measures and practices implemented to ensure the safe handling, containment, and control of biological agents and GMOs to prevent risks to health and the environment.

Containment of GMOs

Strict measures and regulations necessary to prevent the unintended escape and spread of Genetically Modified Organisms which could cause ecological consequences.

Cross-contamination

The unintentional mixing of genetic material from GMOs with non-GMOs during field trials, transport, storage, or processing.