A comparative community visualization of varieties of objections obtained by patent purposes claiming bioprinted tissues/organs, bioinks and associated sub-technologies. Credit score: Nature Biotechnology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41587-025-02661-5
The usage of 3D printers to create residing tissues and organs is revolutionizing medication—however College of Queensland analysis reveals the authorized system is struggling to maintain up because the know-how races forward.
Lead researcher Dr. Pratap Devarapalli from UQ’s Legislation College stated there are about 1,850 Australians on the organ transplant ready record, with bioprinting rising as a promising resolution if supported by clear and versatile world patent legal guidelines.
“Patent law hasn’t kept pace with what’s scientifically possible,” Dr. Devarapalli stated.
“The implications lengthen past medication to basic questions on innovation coverage.
“Ironically, the more realistic and medically useful a bioprinted organ is, the harder it becomes to patent because laws often require it to be clearly different from what exists in nature.”
The analysis was printed in Nature Biotechnology and in Dr. Devarapalli’s guide.
In 2025, the bioprinting market is estimated at $5.5 billion and is projected to achieve $20 billion by 2034.
Patents give inventors non permanent safety from copying and with out them firms could also be much less prepared to take a position, slowing down progress in creating lifesaving medical instruments and coverings.
The analysis compares how main jurisdictions, together with the US, Europe and Australia, assess the patentability of bioprinted innovations.
Dr. Devarapalli stated the dearth of consistency throughout borders creates authorized uncertainty, particularly when moral considerations intersect with innovation.
“For instance, some patent offices may reject applications on the grounds that bioprinted tissues could resemble early-stage human embryos, invoking moral objections in decision making,” he stated.
Australia has adopted a brand new classification regulating bioprinted units containing human cells as ‘medical units with organic elements.”
Dr. Devarapalli stated this progress introduced Australia’s framework in step with European and US requirements.
“While this requires stricter oversight, it also provides clearer pathways to commercialization,” he stated.
“There needs to be balance between incentivizing funding research and the greater good.”
Dr. Devarapalli will journey to Geneva this month to current on the subject on the United Nations.
Extra data:
Pratap Devarapalli et al, 3D bioprinting innovation and the patentability hurdle, Nature Biotechnology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41587-025-02661-5
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