No one 'owns' the genome : the United States Supreme Court rules that human DNA cannot be patented : research

Modern biotechnological innovation has been fertile ground for profound and critical debate - and policy consideration - regarding its associated legal, social, ethical and moral issues. Patent laws exist to encourage the progress of science, innovation and discovery, but battle to provide a clear a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:South African Journal of Bioethics and Law Vol. 6; no. 2; pp. 52 - 54
Main Author: Hurter, E.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Health and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG) 01-10-2013
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Modern biotechnological innovation has been fertile ground for profound and critical debate - and policy consideration - regarding its associated legal, social, ethical and moral issues. Patent laws exist to encourage the progress of science, innovation and discovery, but battle to provide a clear and stable regulatory framework. In a decision that looks set to shape the future, the United States Supreme Court recently ruled that isolated human DNA cannot be patented. It is argued that this decision will have a potentially serious negative impact on future biotechnological innovation and discovery, and that the more expansive European approach to 'gene patenting' is sounder and enables progress.
ISSN:1999-7639
1999-7639