The Plant Patent Act of 1930 was the first step towards creating property rights for biological innovation: it … varieties to examine whether the Act encouraged innovation. Nearly half of all plant patents between 1931 and 1970 were for … innovation: less than 20 percent of new roses were patented, European breeders continued to create most new roses, and there was …

the social benefits of their innovations if innovation is to be suitably rewarded and encouraged. However, this paper … deadweight loss associated with the patent system and discourage innovation by others. Economic efficiency is promoted if rewards … the patent system designed to spur innovation by better aligning the rewards and contributions of patent holders …