The position of intellectual property rights in drug discovery and development from natural products.

Some practical working definitions and perspectives are offered here as to "intellectual property' (IP) and "intellectual property rights' (IPR), particularly as they may pertain to the essential contributions of the parties to an international cooperation or collaboration in drug discovery and development from natural products. Existing and new intellectual properties are examined particularly in respect to feasible ways in which they may be appropriately recognized and protected. It is further illustrated how such suitable recognition and protection may provide the basis to insure fair and appropriate compensation for contributions of existing intellectual property essential for the creation of new intellectual property. The importance of an adequate mutual understanding, and shared realistic perspective, of the overall process and probability of outcome of any given drug discovery and development venture, is emphasized.