From human genes to stem cells: new challenges for patent law?
The social controversies that have surrounded human cloning and the use of embryos for research purposes might create unique patent issues for stem cell researchers. Policy makers should learn from the legal and ethical concerns associated with human gene patents and develop coherent patent policies that recognize and clearly address emerging social controversies.
Caulfield
Timothy A
TA
Health Law Institute, 4th Floor Law Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2H5. tcaufld@law.ualberta.ca
D002170:Canada; D019976:Cloning, Organism / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D033041:Embryo Research / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005060:Europe; D005818:Genetic Engineering / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D023281:Genomics / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D010067:Ownership / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000639:trends; D010330:Patents as Topic / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011640:Public Policy; D013234:Stem Cells; D014481:United States