Intellectual property and patent in stem cell research era

Stem cell therapy has obtained much attention, not only for its exceptional promise for curing many chronic disorders and degenerative conditions but also for its great economic potential. Apart from expenses in research laboratories and ongoing clinical trials, intellectual properties, patent of stem cell differentiation protocols, and stem cell-derived medical products for cell and tissue therapy are of very high cost. Intellectual properties and patents are inevitably important issues for stem cell researchers. Stem cell researchers in most countries have a chance to develop affordable stem cell therapy, scientific progression, and innovations for their patients. However, for this to be done, appropriate solutions for international patent barrier must be created so that the owner of the original stem cell protocols and techniques can be acknowledge, build his reputation and reap reasonable financial benefits. International patent barriers will be a crucial step to move the whole stem cell research community forward.