Lack of understanding is holding back biotech: IPTA

A survey of biotechnology patent attorneys has indicated that there is a lack of knowledge within the general population about what biotechnology encompasses and there are misconceptions regarding the patenting process.

The internal survey was undertaken by the Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia (IPTA), with respondents being attorneys specialising in science and biotechnology.

"Biotechnology is still a relatively new and extremely complex area and, as such, open to misinterpretation or just simple fear of the unknown" said Dr Brett Lunn, a representative of IPTA. "The institute wanted to gain a feeling for how those involved with biotech inventions and innovation thought the industry was perceived."

Of attorneys surveyed, 90 per cent believe that the general public does not adequately understand what was meant by the word 'biotechnology'.

When asked to name three biotechnology inventions or products that have helped humans antibiotics, vaccines and recombinant DNA technology filled the top three places, with PCR amplification of DNA and monoclonal antibodies also receiving strong recognition. Respondents were also asked to name biotechnology sectors with the greatest growth potential. All respondents nominated human therapeutics and 55 per cent nominated diagnostics.

"Biotechnology is delivering breakthroughs in industries as diverse as mineral processing to pest resistant crops and has the potential to be a growth industry for Australia. However a lack of understanding of what biotechnology really entails is seen as a major factor impeding its growth in this country" said Lunn.

IPTA members also believe that general misconceptions regarding the patent system could also be contributing to the general misunderstanding of companies operating in this sector.

"Many people believe patents are a means of companies hiding their inventions from others and that simply is not the case. Even before a patent is granted, details of the invention are published by IP Australia, affording competitors an opportunity to understand the invention and possibly use it as a basis for further innovation," said Lunn.