A development that originated in the software sector is the ‘open source’ option. These are technologies that are developed with the objective to be available for anybody for (non-commercial) use. This applies to, for example, the Linux operating system. In biotechnology, BIOS is developing open-source biotechnologies. These are technologies that are patented (!) but the standard license contract stipulates that anybody can use the technology under the condition that any improvements/results of research are licensed under the same conditions.
The open source system may either mean that the improvements are protected by the individual inventor or that the central organization is willing to take care of protection and provide anybody with the technology under the prescribed license provisions. Legal specialists debate the potential advantages and disadvantages of the various options. Until now, the open-source biotechnology technologies have a fairly limited reach.
Open Source Mechanisms: The Example of BIOS
Your institute must be involved in (unformalised) IP-agreements and policies. Which of the below is most relevant?

1. academic contacts or commercial seed
2. research license
3. humanitarian license
4. commercial license
5. open source license

Click here to rate the above licenses.

Forum discussion

Please briefly explain the content and the economic importance of the IP-agreement for your institute.