The Ethics of Patenting DNA
Discussion Paper
Published: Sat, 20 July 2002Several thousand patent applications have been made on human genes. But the substantial increase in the rate of patenting of DNA sequences has led to considerable debate about the acceptability of this practice.
This Discussion Paper argues that patents involving DNA sequences should be the exception rather than the rule. It makes recommendations for future policy in the area, including a number of significant changes to the way that patents are granted involving DNA sequences. Most importantly, the tests of inventiveness and usefulness should be more rigorously applied when considering if a patent should be granted.
The Paper also notes that some patents that have already been granted are of doubtful validity and makes recommendations to limit the possible adverse effects of these patents.
Last Updated Thu, 12 August 2004
