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Whole-genome patenting

Nature Reviews Genetics volume 6, pages 502–506 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank W.F. Doolittle and two anonymous referees for several useful suggestions. The research for this paper was supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), UK, as part of the programme of the ESRC's Centre for Genomics in Society (Egenis). A.B. also acknowledges a travel grant from the Chemical Heritage Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Egenis, the ESRC Centre for Genomics in Society, University of Exeter, Amory Building, Rennes Drive, Exeter, EX4 4RJ, United Kingdom

    Maureen A. O'Malley, Adam Bostanci & Jane Calvert

Authors
  1. Maureen A. O'Malley
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  2. Adam Bostanci
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  3. Jane Calvert
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Maureen A. O'Malley.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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FURTHER INFORMATION

Egenis web site

esp@cenet

European Patent Office

EPO Online Public File Inspection web page

US Patent and Trademark Office

World Health Organization — Patent Applications for SARS Virus and Genes

Glossary

BIOREMEDIATION

The use of microorganisms to degrade hazardous contaminants in soil and water to environmentally safe levels.

CORONAVIRUS

A genus of virus named after the projections that create a crown-effect around the outside of each virus particle. They infect various mammals and birds, causing respiratory and enteric illness. The SARS-associated coronavirus is a previously unrecognized member of the genus with no close genetic relationship to known coronavirus sequences.

ONCOMOUSE

(Also known as the Harvard mouse.) A type of laboratory mouse that is genetically modified to carry genes that increase susceptibility to cancer (oncogenes).

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O'Malley, M., Bostanci, A. & Calvert, J. Whole-genome patenting. Nat Rev Genet 6, 502–506 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrg1613

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