Introduction to Intellectual Property and Cannabis

Natalie Corthésy, Enrico Bonadio and Yentyl Williams

A chapter in Intellectual Property and Cannabis, 2025, pp 1-7 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This book offers a pioneering, cross-disciplinary exploration of the relationship between intellectual property (IP) and cannabis, a plant with historical, cultural, and economic significance. As global legal frameworks evolve, cannabis sativa is now legalised or tolerated in over 50 countries, creating a booming industry valued at billions of dollars, particularly in the United States. IP rights, such as trademarks, patents, and plant variety rights (PVRs), play a crucial role in protecting innovation in this emerging market. Cannabis-related trademarks and patents enable producers to safeguard strains, breeding techniques, and brand identities, yet the process faces challenges. In prohibitionist regions, trademark registrations may be denied for moral or legal reasons. Furthermore, patents with broad claims could lead to monopolies, undermining small and Indigenous farmers, including Rastafari communities in developing nations. Nonetheless, IP tools can be mobilised to support these communities, such as geographical indications. The book addresses the complexities surrounding cannabis IP, from the branding of cannabis products to the social equity concerns tied to the industry's rapid growth. It delves into real-world case studies from Jamaica, Canada, the Netherlands, and Uruguay, offering insights on the global socio-economic, legal, and developmental implications of cannabis’ intersection with IP rights.

Keywords: Intellectual property; Cannabis; Trademarks; Patents; Geographical indications (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035329380
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.elgaronline.com/doi/10.4337/9781035329397.00009 (application/pdf)
Our link check indicates that this URL is bad, the error code is: 403 Forbidden

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:elg:eechap:23166_1

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.e-elgar.com

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Chapters from Edward Elgar Publishing
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Jack Sweeney ().