What are the Challenges of Patent Protection in Cancer?
One of the primary challenges is the complexity of biotechnology patents. The nature of cancer research often involves multiple overlapping technologies and discoveries, making it difficult to delineate clear patent boundaries. This can lead to legal disputes and "patent thickets," where numerous overlapping patents can hinder the development of new therapies. Additionally, the high costs associated with obtaining and defending patents can be prohibitive for smaller companies and research institutions, potentially stifacing innovation.
