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.
McIntosh
Nathalie
N
Brandeis University, Genetic Counseling Program, MS008, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, USA. mcintosh@brandeis.edu
Braddock
Bonnie R
BR
Branda
Kelly J
KJ
Eanet
Karen
K
Goldberg
Simon
S
Kieffer
Stephanie A
SA
Primiano
Lisa
L
Quercia
Nada
N
Taylor
Kelly A
KA
Tsipis
Judith
J
Yashar
Beverly M
BM
Yesley
Anne
A
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