# Key Takeaways - Even though genomics knowledge is seen as [[global public goods (GPG)]], in practice there are constraints on its dissemination and utilization, esp. in developing countries. Thus, genomics knowledge risks becoming '[[club goods]]' because there are no scientist in developing countries to harness the knowledge. - [[Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)|Patent system]] logic is based on national economies and national public agenda rather than an international one - [[Patent system is designed to provide incentives where there is an active and healthy economy]]. However, when there is a weak or non-existent market, patent won't work. Patent system works well to encourage research into the disease of the wealthy, but will do a poor job of focusing on the needs of low-income countries. - Patents promote discovery of knowledge, but also make genomics excludable goods. - Solutions to the '[[genomic divide]]' is about **when** to to use **what**. - First option is to change [[Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)|patent system]] to ensure benefit for all countries. - Second option, is to put patent system in place, but supplement the system with a mechanism: 1) R&D funds for diseases of LMICs, and 2) Disease-specific partnerships.