Protesters target European animal patents
Article Abstract:
The European Patent Office's (EPO) approval of a patent for the Harvard University Oncomouse is encountering fierce opposition from the European animal rights movement. At the forefront of this movement are two British societies, the British Union for Antivivisection and Compassion in World Farming, who argue that EPO's May 1992 approval violates a 1973 EPO convention against immoral patents. In addition, the US Patent and Trademark Office on Dec 29, 1992 approved patents for three transgenic mice but is likely to be restrictive in granting further animal patents.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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Oncomouse hearing ends up in confusion
Article Abstract:
The European Patent Office failed to pronounce a judgment on the patent on the 'oncomouse,' a transgenic mouse rendered susceptible to cancer. Environmentalists and animal rights groups have opposed the mouse patent, granted in 1991, for violating the European Patent Convention clause related to public morality. The criticisms relate to giving precedence to human benefit over that of animals and the breadth of the patent covering any genetically engineered mammal used in cancer research.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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Europe tries again on biotechnology patents
Article Abstract:
The European Parliament will be meeting anew with both European Commission representatives and the Council of Ministers on the biotechnology issue and draw up rules on biotechnology patents. The patents issue has become controversial with opposition to it centering on such points as the moral basis for patenting any life form and its infringement on the activity of farmers. Draft rules, which have been made earlier, have been criticized for being vague in many areas.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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