2008 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript
This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2008. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.
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In the video made for Nova on Cracking the Code of Life, patents were issued for sections of the genome. Are these patents still getting in the way of research?
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Jean McEwen, J.D., Ph.D.:
Working on issues related to the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic and genomic research.
The evidence is still a bit unclear about the extent to which DNA patents are actually hindering the progress of genetic research, but there is no question that at least in some cases, the existence of patents may be an impediment to genetic discoveries. Researchers worry about confronting a patent "thicket" that will impede their ability to build on discoveries already made without having to negotiate complicated licenses or having to worry about expensive litigation. The Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) Program at NHGRI supports research to assess the extent to which DNA patenting is hindering research, and to explore possible alternative approaches to patenting that will protect the legitimate proprietary interests of researchers who make novel genetic discoveries while at the same time promoting the interest of the public. |
| North Brunswick Township High School in NJ (9th grade student) |
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