Bioinformatics derives knowledge from computer analysis of biological data. the collection, classification, storage, and analysis of biochemical and biological information using computers especially as applied to molecular genetics and genomics. Bioinformatics is a rapidly developing branch of biology and is highly interdisciplinary, using techniques and concepts from informatics, statistics, mathematics, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and linguistics.
Bioinformatics technology (combination of biology and information technology) is worthy of special consideration in terms of intellectual property. Bioinformatics inventions have brought up many uncertainties over the issue of patent eligibility. There is neither any specific bioinformatics law nor any court has adjudicated any disputes related to bioinformatics. This paper critically examines bioinformaticsâ€related patent laws and practices and analyzes whether patent laws protect bioinformatics innovations particularly software which analyze DNA sequences.Bioinformatics tools and techniques are useful not only to manage and analyze vast amount of raw biological data generated from various genomics research but also to understand the phenomena of biological system at the macromolecular level. The development of bioinformatics has come a long way from DNA sequencing tools of the Human Genome Project (HGP) era to DNA circuits and programmable synthetic biological devices in the twenty first century. The present article attempts to analyze and reveal the emerging trends in bioinformatics and computational biology research and innovation and challenges in patenting them under the current US patent regime.