Research on the human genome and patentability--the ethical consequences

• Published in: Journal of medical ethics Vol. 21; no. 2; pp. 69 - 71
• Main Author: Pompidou, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics 01.04.1995; BMJ Publishing Group Ltd; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Base Sequence - physiology; Bioethics; Ethical aspects; Genetic engineering; Genetic Research; Genome, Human; Genomes; Human Genome Project - legislation & jurisprudence; Humans; Intellectual property; Patents as Topic; Human Genome Project; Genetics and Reproduction; Biomedical and Behavioral Research

The genome is one of the primordial elements of the human being and is responsible for human identity and its transmission to descendants. The gene as such ought not be appropriated or owned by man. However, any sufficiently complete description of a gene should be capable of being protected as inte...