NIH defends gene patents as filing deadline approaches
Article Abstract:
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will extend its complementary DNA patents internationally before the Jun 20, 1992 deadline set by European and Japanese patent law despite domestic and foreign objections. Critics, including officials at the Department of Energy which is NIH's partner in the US genome project, fear that NIH's handling of the patents will hinder cooperation in genetic research. However, NIH director Bernadine Healy insists that the patents fall within legal precedent and Congressional mandate.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
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Gene wars escalate as US official battles NIH over pursuit of patent
Article Abstract:
Michael Astrue, general counsel for the Health and Human Services Department (HHS), has temporarily stopped the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from pressing ahead with its attempt to obtain patents for partial cDNA sequences. Astrue, who believes that such patents would impede biotechnological research of potential gene-based products, was able to stop the patent applications despite HHS director Louis Sullivan's support for NIH director Bernadine Healy's policy of seeking the patents.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
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NIH cDNA patent rejected; backers want to amend law
Article Abstract:
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has failed to obtain patents on over 2,000 complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences. The Patent Office denied the NIH's application because many of the sequences had small fragments that were present in already published sequences. The Patent Office's interim decision may establish a precedent against patenting genes whose sequences have any resemblance to previously published sequences. However, the NIH is appealing the decision.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
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