Message-ID: <19970711.095119.6655.0.jvworstell@juno.com> Date: Fri, 11 Jul 1997 11:14:09 EDT From: Jim Worstell <mailto:jvworstell@JUNO.COM> Subject: Re: Quinoa patent To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
Since this quinoa patent debate seems to have devolved into obscure patent law, I wonder if anyone has information on a more basic question.Are patents were becoming the ultimate goal of academic research?
In the quinoa debate, some have contended that hard work should be rewarded with patents. There seems to be an assumption that research which results in patents is not only acceptable but one of the highest goals for university scientists.
How does this fit with the concept that public funds should be used for the public good?
Is there a mindset in public universities that looks for research topics which will generate products and services which are proprietary and can generate profit for the researcher and university?
Is farmers' tax money being used to create products they will have to buy in order to stay competitive?
==================================================== Jim Worstell, Coordinator Delta Enterprise Network Almyra, Arkansas, U.S.A. 72003 Ph: +501-673-7219; Fax: +501-673-7219