Subjects

Cultural rights, Science and technology

Symbol Number

A/70/279

Summary

In this report, the Special Rapporteur addresses the implications of patent policy for the human right to science and culture. She reaffirms the distinction between intellectual property rights and human rights, emphasizing that the right to the protection of the moral and material interests of authors does not necessarily coincide with the prevailing approach to intellectual property law. There is no human right to patent protection. The right to protection of moral and material interests cannot be used to defend patent laws that inadequately respect the right to participate in cultural life, to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications, to scientific freedoms, the rights to food and health and the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.