Public Ethics Radio: Matthew Rimmer on Intellectual Property and Clean Technology

Jun 23, 2010

Matthew Rimmer discusses intellectual-property policy for clean technologies. How do we both create new technologies and spread them as widely as possible? We need climate-friendly technology to be used everywhere, including in developing countries with limited resources.

Climate change exposes the trade-off inherent in intellectual property protection.

Research and development is expensive; companies won't invest in it if they don't expect to profit. Traditionally, profits from new technologies are provided by the exclusive rights granted by the patent system. But by granting patent rights, we ensure that new innovations will have a limited reach.

So how do we both create new technologies and spread them as widely as possible? We need climate-friendly technology to be used everywhere, including in developing countries with limited resources.

This episode of Public Ethics Radio explores the debate about intellectual-property policy for clean technologies.

You may also like

NOV 13, 2024 Article

An Ethical Grey Zone: AI Agents in Political Deliberations

As adoption of agentic AI increases, it is critical for researchers and policymakers to agree on ethical principles to inform governance of this emerging technology.

OCT 24, 2024 Article

Artificial Intelligence and Election Integrity in 2024

This final project from the first CEF cohort discusses the effects of AI on election integrity as billions of people go to the polls in 2024.

OCT 22, 2024 Video

Ethical Leadership in International Affairs

In this message for Global Ethics Day 2024, Carnegie Council President Joel Rosenthal shares his thoughts on ethical leadership and the role that ethics must play ...

Not translated

This content has not yet been translated into your language. You can request a translation by clicking the button below.

Request Translation