In a period of rapid technological growth, especially in the field of biotechnology, Spider-Man (2002) shows the questionable nature of intellectual property relating to modified organisms. Columbia University's spider, Oscorps serum and technology, and Spider-Man himself all show different views on intellectual property.
The new spider species that the Columbia researchers created is the university's intellectual property. They altered its genetic code, created a new species, and likely would have patented it for their research purposes.
Oscorp developed a serum to physically enhance soldiers as well as an exoskeleton and glider to further protect and strengthen the soldiers. These inventions have been patented and are Oscorp's intellectual property. Norman Osborn, the founder and CEO of Oscorp, chooses to secretly test the serum on himself, causing him to go insane, steal the exoskeleton and glider, and become the Green Goblin. Despite being the CEO, this research is not Norman's property and is not his to experiment with, and especially isn't his to steal.
Spider-Man himself poses an interesting question on intellectual property and genetic technology; is his genetic code the intellectual property of Columbia after their spider bites him? A human is another animal, just like the spider itself, however people are protected against being patented and claimed as property. Despite being the ones who changed Peter's genes, Columbia can't claim Spider-Man as their property if they find out his origins.