This book explores the interplay between regulation and emerging technologies in the context of synthetic biology, a developing field that promises great benefits, and has already yielded fuels and medicines made with designer micro-organisms. For all its promise, however, it also poses various risks. Investigating the distinctiveness of synthetic biology and the regulatory issues that arise, Alison McLennan questions whether synthetic biology can be regulated within existing structures or whether new mechanisms are needed. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, McLennan draws on diverse areas of law, the science of synthetic biology and the history and sociology of science. She concludes that synthetic biology presents novel regulatory challenges relating to environmental risk, biosafety, biosecurity and intellectual property. These challenges arise from the uniqueness of the science, the nature of its communities of scientists (including citizen scientists or 'biobunks') and the uncertainty surrounding possible hazards. Some scientists see intellectual property protection as a way to push innovation forward (bioentrepreneurs), while others openly share synthetic biology tools such as BioBricks. By understanding the range of regulatory challenges, the book make a case for enhanced regulation that protects us from synthetic biology's risks, whilst capturing its potential to improve our world. Regulation of Synthetic Biology will be essential reading for academics and students in the social sciences and law, as well as for scientists working in synthetic biology, and policymakers in innovation, science and the regulation of these fields.

This unique and comprehensive collection investigates the challenges posed to intellectual property by recent paradigm shifts in biology. It explores the legal ramifications of emerging technologies, such as genomics, synthetic biology, stem cell research, nanotechnology, and biodiscovery. Extensive contributions examine recent controversial court decisions in patent law - such as Bilski v. Kappos, and the litigation over Myriad's patents in respect of BRCA1 and BRCA2 - while other papers explore sui generis fields, such as access to genetic resources, plant breeders' rights, and traditional knowledge. The collection considers the potential and the risks of the new biology for global challenges - such as access to health-care, the protection of the environment and biodiversity, climate change, and food security. It also considers Big Science projects - such as biobanks, the 1000 Genomes Project, and the Doomsday Vault. The inter-disciplinary research brings together the work of scholars from Australia, Canada, Europe, the UK, and the US and involves not only legal analysis of case law and policy developments, but also historical, comparative, sociological, and ethical methodologies. Intellectual Property and Emerging Technologies will appeal to policy makers, legal practitioners, business managers, inventors, scientists, and researchers. Contributors include: A. Agovic, A. Bostanci, J. Calvert, G. Dutfield, D.M. Gitter, R. Gold, F. Hemmings, E. Hemmungs Wirten, S. Holcombe, T. Janke, P.-B. Joly, Y. Joly, A. McLennan, D. Nicol, M. Rimmer, J.D. Sarnoff

This new Blackstone's Guide provides the full text of the long-awaited Charities Act, together with expert chapter by chapter commentary. The new Act radically overhauls existing law, setting out a modern framework for charities and not-for-profit organizations. The commentary logically follows the structure of the Act, and provides a careful analysis of its key changes, notably: the expansion of heads of charitable purpose; measures to facilitate charity merger; new support for charity trustees (i.e, relief from liability for honest mistakes); and the introduction of a new independent Charity Appeal Tribunal.
The Blackstone's Guide Series delivers concise and accessible books covering the latest legislative changes and amendments. Published soon after enactment, they offer timely and expert commentary on the meaning and effects of the legislation, plus a copy of the Act itself. The Guides are a cost-effective solution to key information needs and are the perfect companion for any practitioner needing to get up to speed with the latest changes.