Access to genetic resources and benefit sharing (ABS)

Genetic resources and associated knowledge about its use, is of great importance for research, agriculture and the biotechnologcal industry. One of the three goals of the convention on biological diversity is the fair and equitable sharing of the beneftis arising from the use of genetic resources. In Sweden, these issues are dealt with within the patent and intellectual property legislation. The access to Sweden's genetic resources is not legally regulated, and all publically owned genetic material is freely available for research.