According to the books of Myriad Genetics, it is legally correct to be granted a patent on DNA sequences as long as they are claimed in the form of ‘isolated DNA’. Myriad had threatened anyone else using its patented method to test for breast cancer gene! But many others disagreed and among them were the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), who were deeply concerned because accordingly, granting a gene patent is morally wrong (in reference to the USPTO).
The repercussions were dire as it would mean that what has been given by Mother Nature has now through a stroke of the pen belonged to some erstwhile lab testing company. The public protestation even brought in Public Patent Foundation, who together with ACLU sued Myriad. The case was subsequently heard in the US District Court. The presiding judge, Robert Sweet, subsequently invalidated Myriad’s gene patent saying that ‘nature’s law’ should not be considered a patent as there was nothing new. However, Myriad will be appealing the judgment and the case will most probably move its way to the US Supreme Court. The final verdict will have great repercussions for mankind and everyone will be watching because a part of their body’s ownership is being contested!
Patents are serious matters, but understanding what they are and how they can be optimized and to benefit you will need much reading and digestion. You can start by visiting How to go about increasing the value of your intangibles
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