US Supreme Court Reviews Patentability of Human Genes

Market News

The Globe and Mail reported that the United States Supreme Court will hear arguments on Monday regarding the “patentability” of human DNA and remain off-limits to those who have not been granted permission by the patent holder. This legal issue started in 2009 when the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against Myriad Genetics Inc., challenging its 7 patents on two human genes related to breast and ovarian cancer. When the federal court ruled the patents invalid, an appeals court overruled the judge’s decision and the case reached the Supreme Court.

The Globe and Mail reported that the United States Supreme Court will hear arguments on Monday regarding the “patentability” of human DNA and remain off-limits to those who have not been granted permission by the patent holder. This legal issue started in 2009 when the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against Myriad Genetics Inc., challenging its 7 patents on two human genes related to breast and ovarian cancer. When the federal court ruled the patents invalid, an appeals court overruled the judge’s decision and the case reached the Supreme Court.

As quoted in the market news:

In a 2003 survey, 53 percent of the directors of genetics labs said they had given up some research due to gene-patent concerns. And in 2001, 49 percent of members of the American Society of Human Genetics said their research had to be limited due to gene patents.

Click here to read the full The Globe and Mail report.

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