When and Why Use IPR in Public Plant Breeding: An ARS Perspective.

In each instance of its use of IPR, ARS considers first whether IPR will help technology transfer of a specific variety, or other invention, in order to enhance the economic situation and national security of the nation.  That is, when is IPR a mechanism for serving the public good?   How can a researcher in a public research program think ahead, from early stages, when conducting variety development research whose outputs may best realize their intended public benefit through IPR?