Protecting Citrus Through Patents: Legal and Economic Implications of UF/IFAS Biotechnological Advances

Protecting Citrus Through Patents: Legal and Economic Implications of UF/IFAS Biotechnological Advances

Alvin Sherman Library

Citrus greening, or Huanglongbing (HLB), threatens the survival of Florida's citrus industry, driving innovation in disease-resistant crops through biotechnology. This research examines how intellectual property (IP) law shapes these advancements, focusing on the direct industry impact of the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Through analyzing patent strategies, licensing models, and governance structures, this study explores the balance between proprietary protections and public access. Additionally, it considers broader ethical and economic implications, including the challenges of patent enforcement and the impact on citrus growers. This research situates UF/IFAS's biotechnological innovations within the larger legal and economic landscape, offering policy recommendations to optimize IP strategies in agricultural crises.