[SJSAMPLE]

I used to think so, but our resident patent attorney on FR has convinced me otherwise. Patents were loose in the 1990s but have tightened up significantly.

I don't understand how you can patent something that exists naturally (gene sequences). Perhaps they patented the sequencing technology or gene sequences that they actually spliced themselves?

IIRC, you have to prove a practical application/working model before you can patent.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

I don't understand how you can patent something that exists naturally (gene sequences). Perhaps they patented the sequencing technology or gene sequences that they actually spliced themselves?

"YOU, or someone you love, may die because of a gene patent that should never have been granted in the first place. Sound far-fetched? Unfortunately, it’s only too real."

-- Michael Chrichton (New York Times, February 13, 2007)

Patenting Life