SUPREME COURT - Patent Law and Human Genes

IMHO:  No one, IN ANY SHAPE OR FORM, should be allowed to OWN our genes OR restrict others from testing any part of our human genetic genome.  Our genes are owned by the human race, NOT a company.

Of course since today's Supreme Court Inc. is owned by industry.....

"Supreme Court Tackles Case of Patent Law, Human Genetics" PBS Newshour 4/15/2013

Excerpt

JEFFREY BROWN (Newshour):  Today, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case at the intersection of law and science, specifically, genetic research, one that may well have major consequences for the future of medicine.  The question, can human genes be patented?

We turn, as always, to Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal, who was in the courtroom today and is back with us tonight.

Marcia, first, some background on this case.

MARCIA COYLE, National Law Journal:  OK.

Myriad is a Utah-based genetic research company.  And Myriad holds patents on two genes with mutations that are linked to a very high risk of breast and/or ovarian cancer.  Its patents also give it exclusive control over diagnostic testing for those genes.

About four years ago, a group of scientists, researchers, civil rights organizations, women's health organizations decided to challenge Myriad's patents in federal court.  They filed a lawsuit.  They lost.  Two courts, two lower courts have upheld Myriad's patents.  Today, they brought -- the challengers brought the case to the Supreme Court.