Jayati Ghosh sums up: The very worst aspect of the new patent regime is that it reduces human nature and aspiration for knowledge to its most narrow and self-seeking aspect. It denies the genius of individuals.

The controversy over the patent law continues . Unlike land or other forms of tangible property, knowledge is not depleted by use.

Guidelines are needed to determine where the analogy between the ownership of knowledge and the ownership of tangible property breaks down, and to define when the public interests should override free market tactics. Vital knowledge resources must be shared whenever possible so they can benefit all, rather than a select few. Unless society tackles the issue head-on, the privatisation of knowledge assets will choke productivity, magnify inequities and erode our democratic institutions.