European patents step closer Corporate author GRAIN Journal/Series Seedling | Vol. 14(3); 2 - 5; 4 p. Date 1997 Source IUCN (ID: ANA-061680) Publisher | Place of publication GRAIN - Genetic Resources Action International | Barcelona, Spain Language English Country/Territory European Union Subject Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Biotechnology Intellectual property rights/patents Ethics and environment Abstract Challenging the global trend to strengthen intellectual property rights regimes remains a high priority for those campaigning against the privatisation of life. The EU is currently defining its own reinterpretation of the WTO TRIPs agreement with proposed legislation dubbed, 'The Life Patents Directive'. The proposals which go way beyond the minimum requirements under TRIPS would allow patenting of plants, animals and parts of humans. Here GRAIN assesses recent developments in Europe and looks at the international implications.