W 4/17 Severance, Shapiro, and Werhane (EIB 399-409); “Merck and Co., Inc.” (EIB 38-243)

Topic: International Issues

1. What are the criteria for receiving a patent, and do you think that Grace satisfied them with its research on neem-based pesticides?

2. How does the Grace case illustrate the possibility that Western concepts of intellectual property rights overlooks the contribution of indigenous knowledge and traditional practices?

3. Should Merk have funded research toward the treatment of river blindness even though it was unlikely that they would see a profitable return on their investment?