Whole-genome patenting.
Gene patenting is now a familiar commercial practice, but there is little awareness that several patents claim ownership of the complete genome sequence of a prokaryote or virus. When these patents are analysed and compared to those for other biological entities, it becomes clear that genome patents seek to exploit the genome as an information base and are part of a broader shift towards intangible intellectual property in genomics.
O'Malley
Maureen A
MA
Egenis, the ESRC Centre for Genomics in Society, University of Exeter, Amory Building, Rennes Drive, Exeter EX4 4RJ, United Kingdom. momalley@dal.ca
Bostanci
Adam
A
Calvert
Jane
J
D016680:Genome, Bacterial; D016679:Genome, Viral; D023281:Genomics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010330:Patents as Topic