ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines a variety of possible solutions to the European Patent Offices (EPO’s) decision-making process, including judicial, legislative, patent office reform and the establishment of ethics committees. It discusses a model for how a public awareness and educational campaign on issues of morality in biotechnological patent applications can be carried out. Engagement on the issue of public debate is not currently being addressed because the EPO tends only to name what is not an acceptable way of listening to public concern. The right to participate is now identified as a human right and if meaningful public involvement is to be achieved, deliberation and participation should be combined. This may facilitate meaningful societal input. Features that can be generalised from the budget to the patent system are the Executive’s role or potential role in organising and facilitating debate among the general public.
