| Patenting the Human Genome – The Ongoing Controversy |
|
|
|
by Roland Vogl
and background information on This article seeks to provide a brief update on the continuing debate surrounding human gene patents, a subject that has produced considerable controversy in the international scientific community. The article describes the origins of the gene patenting controversy in the context of the general policy goals underlying the patent system. It also discusses the legal criteria supporting the patenting of isolated and purified human genes, as well as the general scope and limitations of gene patents in the U.S. and E.U. The author addresses the often misdirected question of “Who owns one’s genes?” as well, and examines the most controversial issues in the current gene patenting debate: The patentability of diagnostic tests and research tools, and the patenting of partial gene sequences, such as ESTs and SNPs (**). Access to the full article is free, but requires you to register. Registration is simple and quick – all we need is your name and a valid e-mail address. We appreciate your interest in bridges. |
