I have called this phenomenon of stealing common knowledge and indigenous science "biopiracy" and "intellectual piracy. " According to patent systems we shouldn't be able to patent what exists as "prior art. " But the United States patent system is somewhat perverted. First of all, it does not treat the prior art of other societies as "prior art. " Therefore anyone from the United States can travel to another country, find out about the use of a medicinal plant, or find a seed that farmers use, come back here, claim it as an invention or an innovation.
Elizabeth Edwards
I've often said that the most important thing you can give your children is wings. Because, you're not gonna always be able to bring food to the nest. You're. . . sometimes. . . they're gonna have to be able to fly by themselves.
