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The role of patents in biodiversity conservation

Patents may not establish clear property and use rights and this may promote biodiversity destruction and decline. What is needed are schemes for patents to suit conservation and sustainable-use objectives.

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References

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Correspondence to Charles Lawson.

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Lawson, C. The role of patents in biodiversity conservation. Nat Biotechnol 27, 994–995 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt1109-994

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