A Comparative Study of Nuclear Reactor Standardization Policy in the United States and France
Margaret Cooney As the United States moves to reduce its carbon footprint, nuclear energy has become an essential energy alternative to fossil fuels. The current U.S. nuclear fleet is aging and will soon be decommissioned, so building new reactors is essential for U.S. energy production needs. In building a new generation of nuclear reactors, the United States may consider looking to France for inspiration. France’s reactor fleet is highly standardized, meaning that there are only a few reactor designs. There are potential benefits and drawbacks to standardization in nuclear technology. Some scholars argue that a policy of standardization would lower...
Cannabis and Patent Law: Lessons from a Canadian Cannabis Case Study
Katherine Minorini Cannabis is illegal under federal law in the United States, yet individual states have legalized it for both medicinal and recreational use. Additionally, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) routinely issues patents for cannabis-related inventions despite the drug’s federal prohibition. As the prospect of federal legalization becomes more likely, patent protection will play a crucial role in the budding cannabis market. By evaluating Canada’s legal cannabis system, this Essay identifies lessons the United States can take from the Canadian legalization framework. Ultimately, this Essay asserts that the United States should take quick action and legalize cannabis...
Obtaining Marijuana Patents
Natali De Corso In the midst of a boom in the marijuana industry, marijuana breeders and companies have increasingly sought protection of their unique marijuana strains through patents. Their success, however, is limited given the fact that marijuana remains illegal under federal law and the United States Patent and Trademark Office has been reluctant to grant such patents. This article explores the current patentability of marijuana strains, discusses the difficulties marijuana breeders and companies face in patenting their product, and introduces successful marijuana-related patent applications. Read Full Text Here
Rounding Up Plant Patents & Other Growing Patent Concerns a Comment on Monsanto v. Schmeiser
Emir A. C. Mohammed On the heels of their ubiquitous and controversial decision in Harvard College v. Canada (Commissioner of Patents) (the so-called ‘Harvard Mouse’ case), the Canadian Courts were soon asked to re-consider the issues surrounding the patentability of biotechnological inventions in Monsanto v. Schmeiser. Unlike Harvard Mouse, this matter was an infringement action. At the Trial Division, the crux of the action lay with Schmeiser’s alleged failure to obtain a license Monsanto’s patented “Roundup Ready Canola” (a canola seed tolerant of glyphosate herbicides including Monsanto’s own “Roundup”). “The infringement alleged is by the defendants using, reproducing and creating genes,...