APPENDIX J 
recognizes the important world-wide commercial potential of recombinant 
DNA molecules in medicine, agriculture, and other areas of science and 
technology. It believes that the potential commercial uses of recombinant 
DNA techniques require that information of a proprietary nature and 
patent rights be given appropriate protection from disclosure by the 
regulatory agency receiving such information. Some Committee members 
expressed concern that universities and inventors with limited resources 
may be unable to adequately protect data of a proprietary nature if 
the regulatory agency acts to disclose such information. The regulatory 
agency should consider the burden of its action on these inventors. 
(6) Preemption of State/Local Laws : 
The potential hazards posed by the use of recombinant DNA techniques 
extend beyond the local to the national and international levels. There- 
fore, the Committee recommends that a single set of national standards 
must govern and that, accordingly, local law should be preempted to 
ensure national standards and regulations. The Committee, however, took 
into account the activities at the State and local levels on regulation 
of recombinant DNA research. It was agreed that if a State passes a 
law imposing requirements identical to those contained in the Federal 
legislation, then the Secretary may enter into an agreement with the 
State to utilize its resources to assist the Secretary in carrying out 
his duties. 
(7) Inspection and Enforcement : 
The Committee proposes that there be inspection and enforcement 
requirements to ensure that standards are being met. In order to protect 
Appendix J — 20 
