Recent rapid advances in Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing technology and other technology developments have created a revolution in biology that will impact significantly on food production and the underlying crop and animal breeding. These developments will facilitate accelerated exchange of genetic materials and data but will require a streamlined Intellectual Property (IP) environment if we are to realize the improved food security and biodiversity conservation that this technology promises. Technical developments in genetic technology such as advances in DNA sequencing, chemical synthesis of DNA and DNA transfer between organisms, are providing new tools that could be used to address some of these challenges. Biologists classify organisms using the system of binomial nomenclature. However taxonomists often reclassify organisms based upon new discoveries or further research. Plant Breeders' Rights (PBR) has provided a useful IP protection for plants with commercial value in many countries. The level of protection varies and further harmonization and expansion of this system would be helpful.
Maendeleo ya hivi karibuni katika teknolojia ya mfuatano wa asidi ya Deoxyribonucleic (DNA) na maendeleo mengine ya teknolojia yameunda mapinduzi katika biolojia ambayo yatakuwa na athari kubwa kwa uzalishaji wa chakula na uzalishaji wa mazao na wanyama. Maendeleo haya yatasaidia kuharakisha kubadilishana kwa vifaa vya maumbile na data, lakini itahitaji mazingira ya ubunifu wa mali ya akili (IP) ikiwa tunataka kutambua usalama wa chakula ulioboreshwa na uhifadhi wa bioanuwai ambao teknolojia hii inaahidi. Maendeleo ya kiteknolojia ya maumbile kama vile maendeleo katika mfululizo wa DNA, synthesis ya kemikali ya DNA na uhamisho wa DNA kati ya viumbe, hutoa zana mpya ambazo zinaweza kutumika kukabiliana na baadhi ya changamoto hizi. Wanabiolojia huweka viumbe katika makundi kwa kutumia mfumo wa majina ya binomial. Hata hivyo wataalamu wa taxonomy mara nyingi huweka upya viumbe kulingana na uvumbuzi mpya au utafiti zaidi. Haki za uzalishaji wa mimea (PBR) zimetoa ulinzi muhimu wa IP kwa mimea yenye thamani ya kibiashara katika nchi nyingi. Kiwango cha ulinzi hutofautiana na uratibu zaidi na upanuzi wa mfumo huu ungekuwa na manufaa.