Intellectual property (IP) is a key component of the life sciences, one of the most dynamic and innovative fields of technology

today. IP can be used for various reasons, such as branding and marketing, as well as to protect assets that give a competitive

advantage. The preventative rationale underlies IP systems around the world, perhaps also reflecting an intuition that IP holders

deserve exclusive rights against free riders who would rather take others’ ideas than create their own.

Under the standard vision, which is reflected in the various codes of professional responsibility governing

lawyers, the lawyer is a “neutral partisan” for his or her client: “neutral” in that he does not let his moral

values affect his actions on behalf of his client; “partisan” in that she does whatever she can within the

limits of the law to advance her client’s stated interests. We believe that a lawyer’s success depends both

on his internal structure, virtue, and the moral principles he or she abides by, as well as the external

environment and circumstances encountered in his or her activity. The lawyer must contribute to the public

good but become a fierce advocate when needed.