Towards harmonization: the European biotechnology patent directive

Having first been proposed over a decade ago to harmonize European patent law for the benefit of Europe's fledgling biotechnology industry, the Biotechnology Patent Directive underwent a somewhat tortured introduction to adolescence when its adoption was challenged by a legal annulment action from the Governments of the Netherlands, Italy and Norway. This article explores the nature of the legal challenge to the Directive, which to an extent typify European concerns about biotechnological inventions, particularly the "patenting of life."