Title: Legal alchemy: transforming stem cell innovations into patents amid constraints

Authors: Ali Khalid Qtaishat; Tariq K. Alhasan; Khairuddin Al-Amin

Addresses: Faculty of Law, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, 19111, Jordan ' Alhasan Arbitration and Law, Amman, Jordan; Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, 41004, Spain; Universidad de León, León, Castile and León, Spain ' Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract: This study examines the legal framework governing the patentability of biotechnological inventions involving the extraction and modification of animal stem cells for human treatment in Jordan. Despite meeting the criteria of novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, such inventions face prohibitions under Jordanian law due to ethical, religious, and moral considerations rooted in Islamic principles. The research analyses the interplay between international agreements like TRIPS and national legislation, highlighting how public order and morality exclusions impact patent rights. It concludes that current legal texts prevent granting patents for these technologies, limiting inventors' protections to general legal provisions that must align with Islamic law. The study recommends legal reforms to establish clear ethical guidelines, amend patent laws to allow ethically acceptable inventions, and promote responsible innovation while respecting cultural and religious values.

Keywords: patent law; stem cells; biotechnology; Islamic law; Jordan; ethical considerations.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2026.155222

International Journal of Intellectual Property Management, 2026 Vol.16 No.4, pp.446 - 466

Received: 15 Dec 2024
Accepted: 31 Aug 2025
Published online: 29 Jul 2026 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article