Innumerable recombinations among related and unrelated organisms occur constantly by several mechanisms and then are tested by evolutionary pressures.

FORBES: EPA Biotech Regulation Bucks The Scientific Consensus

Rights related to intellectual property such as patents and copyrights are particularly important because IP is both a reward for innovation (if I invent a better mousetrap I get to patent it) and an input to it (most new ideas are recombinations of existing ones).

WSJ: The Experts: What Role Does Government Play in Innovation?