Gene patenting

Analysis and Comment (7)

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Allowing patents that capture categories of unique genomic DNA damages the principle of open access. Nestlé/Flickr

Ensure open access to genetic data to protect innovation

By Anna George, Murdoch University

Public investment in the Human Genome Project was expected to deliver a global public good that would help generate scientific breakthroughs. But open access to our genetic blueprint is a precondition…
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The BRCA1 gene is thought to account for 45% of hereditary breast cancer, and at least 80% of hereditary cancer involving both breast and ovarian cancers. Tips Times

Gene patenting: Australian court rules BRCA1 patent is legal

By Bill Madden, University of Western Sydney

“The issue that arises in this case is of considerable importance. It relates to the patentability of genes, or gene sequences, and the practice of gene patenting”. So began the reasons for judgement of…
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The stories behind the Human Genome Project are themselves extraordinarily human. widdowquinn

Explainer: what is the Human Genome Project?

By Melissa Southey, University of Melbourne

For many decades humans have pursued work to characterise the human genome. Today, publicly available references to genome sequences are available and have been instrumental in effecting recent advances…
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Biotech patents are worth big money, so companies would fiercely resist a compulsory licence. sam d

Is it time to unlock biotech patents?

By Bruce Baer Arnold, University of Canberra

We’re in for another round of the biotech patent wars, with announcement the Productivity Commission will inquire into the compulsory licensing of patents. If adopted, compulsory licensing could increase…
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Part of a Greenpeace protest at the European Patents Office in Munich. Greenpeace brought the case that has resulted in the European ruling. AAP

European court bans stem cell patents – what about Australia?

By Fady Aoun

The European Court of Justice has today banned patenting of stem cell inventions derived from human embryos which are capable of developing into a human being. The court held that this exclusion from…
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Feeding the world’s poor may not really be the main concern of companies that take out gene patents on crops. AAP

Is patenting crops really about feeding the hungry? A response

By Luigi Palombi

Michael Gilbert’s article starts with a title that poses a question – Will patenting crops help feed the hungry? Fair enough, except he then proceeds to provide an answer, which as the posted comments…

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