3 ms·
From one of the linked-to articles: The patents granted to Myriad give the company the exclusive right to perform diagnostic tests on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes
by Qz 17y ago
From one of the linked-to articles:
The patents granted to Myriad give the company the exclusive right to perform diagnostic tests on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and to prevent any researcher from even looking at the genes without first getting permission from Myriad.
I don't know the ins and outs of patent law, but the idea that this kind of patent was even granted makes me want to tear the whole damn thing down.
- lutorm 17y agoThat's about what I feel. Does anyone know if this is the first time that a patent of a discovered gene has been tested in court?
- Qz 17y agoI don't know. The article I read mentioned that the basis for the ACLU's suit was against the idea of patenting genes in general, which is likely to have significant secondary effects as future cases will be able to use this case as legal precedent. I'm still boggled by the idea that human genes have been allowed to be patented. I mean, if the general public really knew that this was happening I feel like there would be at least a moderate uproar.
- jules 17y agoYes, that's positively evil. Almost like patenting eating: don't want to die of hunger? Pay me money for the right to eat.