Incentivizing Innovation in the Realm of Social Goods: Patent Law's Unintended Inhibiting Effect on Environmental Technological Advancement

Authors

• Ethan Graham, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

Abstract

The note argues that while Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology holds significant potential to address climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, its development and deployment are hindered by the gatekeeping mechanism of patents. These patents, though intended to incentivize innovation, often stifle progress by restricting access to critical technologies. The analysis highlights the urgency of climate action, the limitations of current legal frameworks, and the need for policy reforms to accelerate DAC innovation and mitigate global warming.

Disciplines

Agriculture Law | Constitutional Law | Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law | Environmental Law | Jurisdiction | Law | Legal Profession

Recommended Citation

Ethan Graham, Incentivizing Innovation in the Realm of Social Goods: Patent Law's Unintended Inhibiting Effect on Environmental Technological Advancement, 42 Cardozo Arts & Ent. L.J. 769 (2024).
Available at: https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/cardozoaelj/vol42/iss3/11