DNA-sequence patenting: National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) position paper.
In November 2000, the Genetic Services Committee of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) convened a working group to draft a position paper on patenting DNA-sequences. The mandate of the group was to produce general position statements that support the perspective and needs of consumers of DNA-based genetic tests and therapies (our patients and their families) and participants in DNA-based genetic research. After review and discussion of the literature on DNA-sequence patenting issues, the working group drafted position statement points that support current United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) guidelines; broad licensing of DNA-sequence patents; nonenforcement of DNA-sequence patents in noncommercial research; reasonable royalty rates; an informed consent process for research participants that discloses whether they can share in any financial rewards relating to the project; the development of guidelines for licensing of DNA-sequence patents; and the establishment of oversight organizations to monitor licensing of DNA-sequence patents. These position statements were approved by the NSGC Board of Directors in the fall of 2001.
Brandeis University, Genetic Counseling Program, MS008, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, USA. mcintosh@brandeis.edu
Nathalie
N
McIntosh
Bonnie R
BR
Braddock
Kelly J
KJ
Branda
Karen
K
Eanet
Simon
S
Goldberg
Stephanie A
SA
Kieffer
Lisa
L
Primiano
Nada
N
Quercia
Kelly A
KA
Taylor
Judith
J
Tsipis
Beverly M
BM
Yashar
Anne
A
Yesley
D001483:Base Sequence; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D036281:Genetic Research; D033142:Genetic Services; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008004:Licensure; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010330:Patents as Topic; D035842:Research Subjects; D012952:Societies