Corporate Control of Human Genes Before Supreme Court

[xchrom]

http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/04/15-3

The Supreme Court will take up the question on Monday as to whether human genes can be patented allowing corporations to extend their grasp and claim private property rights over the essential building block of human life

The defendant in the case Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc. is claiming to "own" two genes related to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, BRCA 1 and BRCA 2. Myriad Genetics argues that the genes become their "invention" once they are "isolated," or removed from the cell and therefore they have the right to stop anyone from using these genes, whether for clinical or research purposes.

"The Patent Office's policy of granting companies complete control over portions of our bodies is both morally offensive and a clear violation of the law," said the suit's co-counsel Daniel B. Ravicher, executive director of the Public Patent Foundation (PUBPAT). "Genes are the foundation of life, they are created by nature, not by man, and that is why we were here today at the Supreme Court to make sure they are not controlled by corporations through the patent system."

"Myriad did not invent the human genes at issue in this case, and they should not be allowed to patent them. The patent system was designed to encourage innovation, not stifle scientific research and the free exchange of ideas, which is what these patents do," added ACLU attorney, Chris Hansen, in a statement.

[bananas]

1. heard a good report on npr yesterday nt

[Avalux]

2. If they rule in favor of Myriad, then corps really do own us, right down to our DNA.

Patents do not apply to living things...yes Myriad discovered the genes, but they didn't create them.

This case is critical and SHOULD be a headline news story.

[phantom power]

3. It upsets me that this is even up for discussion

And I for damn sure don't feel any certainty that the court won't rule in favor of Myriad