Based on the provided reference, Golden Rice was licensed by its inventors to Syngenta (formerly Zeneca).
The development of Golden Rice was spearheaded by its inventors, notably Ingo Potrykus. Their primary intention was not commercial gain but rather to establish Golden Rice as a humanitarian project. To achieve this, they legally secured the project by licensing the technology to Syngenta (formerly Zeneca), a biopharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland, as noted in the reference from September 17, 2013.
Understanding the Legal Status
While the inventors developed the technology and aimed for a humanitarian purpose, the legal framework established involved licensing.
- The Inventors: Developed the genetically modified rice designed to produce beta-carotene. Their goal was humanitarian, seeking to address Vitamin A deficiency.
- Licensing: Instead of retaining full commercial control, the inventors chose to license the technology. This is a legal agreement granting specific rights to another party.
- Syngenta (formerly Zeneca): This company received the license for Golden Rice from the inventors. This licensing agreement grants Syngenta certain legal rights related to the technology, although the specific terms of the license regarding humanitarian use versus commercial rights would dictate their scope.
This arrangement allowed the inventors to ensure the project had a legal framework and potential pathway for distribution, while maintaining their stated humanitarian intent through the terms of the license.
Key Players in Golden Rice's Legal Framework (as per reference)
| Entity | Role (Based on Reference) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inventors (e.g., Potrykus) | Developed Golden Rice | Aimed for humanitarian project |
| Syngenta (formerly Zeneca) | Licensed Golden Rice from the inventors | Based in Basel, Switzerland |
In summary, while the inventors created Golden Rice with a humanitarian goal, the legal control structure involves a license granted to Syngenta.
