Intellectual Property and Biotechnology: Patenting, Ethics, and Access to Medicines

Question 1

In the United Kingdom, which of the following is not considered a patentable subject in biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

Surgical techniques

Answer

Gene sequences

Answer

Genetically modified organisms

Answer

Diagnostic procedures

Question 2

What is a primary ethical concern associated with the patenting of genetic material?

Accepted Answer

Access to life-saving treatments

Answer

Reduction in innovation

Answer

Violation of natural rights

Answer

Animal welfare

Question 3

Which international agreement specifically addresses intellectual property rights in biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)

Answer

Madrid Protocol

Answer

Berne Convention

Answer

Universal Copyright Convention

Question 4

Which of the following is a key provision of the Nagoya Protocol?

Accepted Answer

Requires fair and equitable benefit-sharing from the utilization of genetic resources

Answer

Establishes a global patent database for biodiversity

Answer

Prohibits the patenting of traditional knowledge

Answer

Sets standards for environmentally sustainable biotechnology practices

Question 5

What is the difference between a utility patent and a design patent in biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

Utility patents protect inventions, while design patents protect the ornamental appearance

Answer

Design patents are broader in scope than utility patents

Answer

Utility patents are only available for products, while design patents are only available for processes

Answer

Design patents are more difficult to obtain than utility patents

Question 6

Which international agreement governs the protection of intellectual property in biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)

Answer

Paris Convention

Answer

Berne Convention

Answer

Budapest Treaty

Question 7

What is the fundamental purpose of informed consent in genetic testing?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring individuals' awareness of potential risks and benefits before making decisions

Answer

Preventing unauthorized use of genetic data

Answer

Encouraging genetic diversity

Answer

Facilitating genetic data access for research

Question 8

The legal rationale for granting exclusive rights to patent holders in biotechnology is primarily:

Accepted Answer

Incentivizing innovation and investments

Answer

Protecting investments in research and development

Answer

Promoting competition

Answer

Protecting the public interest

Question 9

In the context of biotechnology, the term 'upstream' primarily refers to:

Accepted Answer

Early stages of a research project, emphasizing fundamental scientific discovery

Answer

Later stages of a research project, focusing on practical applications

Answer

Activities related to the marketing and commercialization of biotechnological products

Answer

Regulatory and ethical considerations associated with biotechnology

Question 10

The 'moral hazard' argument in the context of biotechnology primarily refers to:

Accepted Answer

The potential for individuals to engage in risky behavior if they believe they are protected by genetic technologies

Answer

The concern that genetic engineering could lead to unintended negative consequences for human health

Answer

The ethical obligation to use genetic technologies for the benefit of society

Answer

The potential for genetic information to be used for discriminatory purposes

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT considered a key ethical concern raised by genetic engineering in biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

Protection of intellectual property rights

Answer

Potential harm to human health

Answer

Impact on biodiversity

Answer

Creation of new or altered life forms

Question 12

The Human Genome Project primarily involved:

Accepted Answer

An international scientific collaboration to sequence the human genome

Answer

A private sector initiative to develop new genetic technologies

Answer

A government-funded project to create a registry of human genetic information

Answer

A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible use of genetic engineering

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a form of intellectual property protection available for biotechnology inventions?

Accepted Answer

Copyrights

Answer

Plant Variety Rights

Answer

Patents

Answer

Trademarks

Question 14

What is a primary ethical concern associated with genetic engineering and the creation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?

Accepted Answer

Altering the natural genetic makeup of organisms

Answer

Reducing biodiversity

Answer

Improving human health

Answer

Increasing food production

Question 15

In what way does the patenting of genetic material impact access to medicines?

Accepted Answer

Increased costs

Answer

Improved quality

Answer

Wider availability

Question 16

Which legal framework primarily governs the patenting of biotechnology inventions in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Patents Act 1977

Answer

Trade Marks Act 1994

Answer

Answer

Design Right Act 1988

Question 17

What is the primary purpose of a Utility Model in the context of biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

Protecting small-scale inventions

Answer

Facilitating international cooperation

Answer

Granting exclusive rights for 20 years

Answer

Ensuring public access to research

Question 18

Which ethical principle is primarily violated when genetic information is used without consent?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 19

What is the primary role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in regulating intellectual property in biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

Enforcing international agreements on trade

Answer

Issuing patents for biotechnology inventions

Answer

Negotiating licenses for genetic resources

Answer

Funding research on biotechnology

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a trade secret in biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

Publicly known

Answer

Provides a competitive advantage

Answer

Valuable

Answer

Protected by confidentiality

Question 21

What is a potential impact of gene editing technologies on the intellectual property landscape in biotechnology?

Accepted Answer

Creating new patentable inventions

Answer

Reducing the need for intellectual property protection

Answer

Increasing the cost of research and development

Answer

Eliminating the ethical concerns surrounding genetic engineering

Question 22

How can the legal framework for intellectual property in biotechnology be balanced to promote both innovation and access?

Accepted Answer

Implementing tiered pricing and compulsory licensing

Answer

Increasing the term of copyright protection

Answer

Abolishing patents for genetic material