Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
the potential profits. Estimates put worldwide sales of all marine
biotechnology-related products at US$100 billion for the year 2000.
(CBD,
2005
, para. 22)
Last, but not least, another important element to take into consideration is that the patent
legislation of several states does not compel the applicant to disclose the origin of the ge-
netic materials used:
Assessing the types and levels of current uses of genetic resources from the deep
seabed proves relatively difficult for several reasons. First, patents do not
necessarily provide detailed information about practical applications, though they
do indicate potential uses. Moreover, information regarding the origin of the
samples used is not always included in patent d escriptions.
(CBD,
2005
, para. 22)
