Biotechnology is, literally, technology based on the use of living things. Subject matter requiring intellectual property protection may arise from many disciplines including biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, immunology, molecular biology and genetics. Biotechnology provides innovations applicable to agriculture, human and veterinary medicine, and environmental protection and remediation.
The biotechnology sector within Canada is a heavily regulated industry. Practice in this field is generally understood to include regulatory matters such as representation of clients before Agriculture Canada, Health Canada, the Plant Breeders' Rights Office and the Patent Office; development matters including contractual agreements relating to research and development, supply, consulting, co-packaging, funding, multiplication, field-testing, marketing and distribution; patent and plant breeders' rights protection; and trade marks protection.
No lawyers currently practice in this area.