Synthetic Genomics: Intellectual Property, Innovation Policy, and Advanced Biofuels

This chapter considers the relationship between intellectual property, and advanced biofuels against the background of larger public policy concerns about food security, energy transition, sustainable development, and climate change. It provides a case study of the partnership between Synthetic Genomics and ExxonMobil in developing algae-based biofuels. This chapter explores matters of patent law, policy, and practice in the context of advanced biofuels. It also examines other secondary forms of intellectual property – such as trade mark law, consumer protection, advertising standards, and the protection of trade secrets and confidential information. This chapter concludes by considering the intersection between intellectual property and innovation policy in the context of advanced biofuels.