Jorge Goldstein, "Patenting Life: Tales from the Front Lines of Intellectual Property and the New Biology" (Georgetown UP, 2025)

About this episode

Jorge Goldstein discusses the intersection of biotechnology and patent law, exploring the implications of commercial biology on scientific research and patent regulations.

In this episode, Jorge Goldstein, the author of Patenting Life: The Commercialization of Biology, delves into the critical junction where biotechnology meets patent law. With a background as a molecular biologist turned patent attorney, Goldstein offers unique insights into how commercial biology has evolved and its profound effects on patent regulations. The discussion takes listeners on a journey from the early days of recombinant DNA technology to the cutting-edge advancements of CRISPR. Goldstein articulates how the commercialization of biological research influences scientific inquiry and reshapes patent law, highlighting key legal cases that have set the boundaries for patenting living organisms while addressing the complex ethical considerations that accompany these developments. A significant theme in the conversation is the ongoing tension between academic research and commercial interests. Goldstein explains how this dynamic has molded patent policies and research agendas, emphasizing the concept of “enabling life” through patents. He also touches on emerging challenges posed by technologies like AI in biotechnology, raising questions about ownership and consent…

People in this episode

Guest: Jorge Goldstein

Topics covered

• biotechnology
• patent law
• commercialization of biology
• ethical considerations
• intellectual property
• scientific inquiry

Keywords

• biotechnology
• patent law
• CRISPR
• ethical implications
• intellectual property
• commercial interests
• research agendas

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Georgetown UP

Books & works: Patenting Life: The Commercialization of Biology, Patenting Life: Tales from the Front Lines of Intellectual Property and the New Biology

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