Hi everyone!

Alexis, Alex, and I will be talking about the arguments for and against having a patent system and what that means internationally and at home for our entrepreneurs. In preparation for our presentation, please be thinking about why you think having a patent system is a benefit or detriment to the access of technology and innovation and ways in which the system may be improved and hopefully we will speak to some of your initial reactions in class.

Best,

 

Ashlie

This article addresses the controversial issue of patenting GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) seeds. Although it initially seems shocking to patent a seed, the article states that the cost of creating a GM crop is $136 million. Supporters argue that biotech companies need theses patents to guard their investment.

 

https://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/2014/04/22/patents-and-gmos-should-biotech-companies-turn-innovations-over-to-public-cost-free/

A recent WSJ article tells us that there has been an increase in Venture Capital funding and 2015 saw the highest amount of money raised through VC funding since 2000. The article notes that VC continues to be popular among companies because of the volatile market. Companies can now raise high amounts of capital rather than going public and relying on the secondary resale market.The author notes, “Investors have stayed excited about venture capital because it offers higher growth in a low-return environment.”With the market’s volatility continuing maybe 2016 will see even more VC funding.

 

 

http://www.wsj.com/articles/funds-flow-to-venture-firms-1459295426