Intellectual property rights, biotechnology and concentration in the production and trade of seeds. Argentina (1996-2019)

Abstract

This article aims to characterize the main actors who request Plant Variety Rights (DOV) in Argentina and to analyze the current concentration process. To this end, the records between 1996 and 2019 of plant varieties at the National Seed Institute (INASE) are reviewed. The hypothesis that guides the research affirms that the advance of Intellectual Property Rights in biotechnology pander to the concentration and foreignization in the production and trade of seeds. The results of the article seek to contribute to the debate on Intellectual Property Rights and Biotechnology in Argentina, evincing unequal access to patents and the constitution of rents which are monopolized by seed sellers. In accordance, the role of the state in the process of expanding regulations is analyzed.