Genes Linked to Breast, Ovarian Cancers Are Ruled Unpatentable

Two isolated genes closely associated with breast and ovarian cancer are unpatentable, a federal judge ruled in March. This article presents an analysis of the case.

13 minute read April 29, 2010 at 01:34 PM

Mark Hamblett

Genes Linked to Breast, Ovarian Cancers Are Ruled Unpatentable

Two isolated genes closely associated with breast and ovarian cancer are unpatentable, a federal judge ruled in March. Southern District Judge Robert W. Sweet decided that the two genes, once separated from the lengthy DNA sequence, cannot be considered sufficiently new and useful to be deemed patentable.

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