A well-developed legal framework and protection of intellectual property rights is the prerequisite for building an ideal environment where the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries can flourish. In order to improve the environment for these industries, in recent years the government has approved the amendment and execution of related laws and regulations. In 1999 the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection was reorganized into the Intellectual Property Office, which demonstrates the importance the government attaches to intellectual property rights. Moreover, amendments have been made to related tax benefit and incentive measures of investment. Other amendments have been made which have allowed R&D results to be more easily transferred to academia and industry. Laws governing Taiwan's biotechnology industry include related laws and regulations for biotechnology and pharmaceuticals; agricultural-related regulations, intellectual property; and tax benefits and incentives. To promote the development of the local biotech industry, the government has included many incentive and aid programs including the Statute for Promoting Industries, rules for encouraging pharmaceutical technology research and development, and incentive measures for emergent and important strategic industries belonging to the manufacturing and technology sectors. See page 26 for a comprehensive view of the laws and regulations. |
