Intellectual property issues for open science practices in genomic-related health research and innovation in Africa.

Abstract

This paper considers the applicability and implications of intellectual property rights (IPRs) for open science practices in the context of genomic-related health research and innovation in Africa. The first part provides a brief background of the gaps in genomics and health research in Africa, highlighting the possible role of open science in facilitating collaborative research to address the peculiar health needs of the continent. The second part examines intellectual property protection in genomic-related health research and innovation in Africa, outlining some of the existing legal instruments and policies guiding the application of IPRs, focusing on patents and copyrights. Thereafter, the paper examined how intellectual property standards could impact the adoption of open science in genomics health research in Africa. In doing this, the paper considers the role they could play as enablers of open science practices in genomics health research and innovation and the potential challenges they pose. The paper concludes with recommendations regarding aspects of the intellectual property policies and legal frameworks in Africa that could be calibrated to overcome potential challenges and, thereby, stimulate the adoption of an open science model and promote open, collaborative genomics health research and innovation in the continent.