29
to explain fully why such change was needed.
117
These members detailed the six major
components of the legislation which were to serve as the engine for America’s
“technological strength.”
118
This renewed commitment on the part of government officials to the patent
system reflects more than just what was going on in molecular biology at the time. As
Susan Wright, a prominent historian of molecular biology stated any understanding of the
“recombinant DNA field must also take into account the economic and political
environment of the period, and particularly the powerful incentives for commercialization
generated by the state.”
119
These incentives were multifold in the early half of the decade
as the U.S. economy suffered and threats mounted from developing countries over
providing raw materials without sufficient compensation. Many developing countries
drew inspiration at this time from the seeming success of OPEC in exerting geopolitical
power through its economic leverage. They debated whether or not to form their own
cartels in key minerals and other resources. Therefore, control over a range of
commodities became another bargaining chip that the developing countries were waving
over the head of the U.S. to get political concessions.
120
All of these development s, along with many more, had serious repercussions and
dramatically impacted the worldviews of policymakers in Congress and the White House.
116
President Nixon, “Patent Modernizaton and Reform Legislation,” (September 27, 1973): 825,
Presidental Papers of the Presidents. For more specific details, see The W hite House, “Fact Sheet on
Patent Reform,” Office of the White House Press Secretary (September 27, 1973).
117
John K. Tabor, Under Secretary of Commerce, Karl Bakke, General Counsel, Rene D. Tegtmeyer,
Acting Commissioner of Patents for Trademarks at Department of Commerce, and Thomas Kauper,
Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, held at Office of the White House Press Secretary
(September 27, 1973).
118
Ibid.
119
Susan Wright, “Recombinant DNA Technology and Its Social Transformation, 1972-1982,” Osiris, vol.
2 (1986): 304.
120
H.J. Maidenberg, “The Shift in Commodity Power,” New York Times (January 13, 1974).
Convention