Debate: Gene patents

[]

[]

[]

[]

Are gene patents, particularly related to food and agricultural products, a good idea?

Background and context

A gene patent is a patent on a specific gene sequence, its usage, and often its chemical composition. There is controversy over whether these patents advance technology by providing scientists with an incentive to create or hinder research by creating a lot of red tape and fees to utilize research that is patented.

See Wikipedia: Gene patents on Wikipedia.

[]

[]

[]

[]

Discoveries: Are genes pure discoveries?

[]

Pro

• Supporters of gene patenting say gene function is not obvious and that genes are not mere discoveries because the genes are patented together with inventive descriptions of how they can be used for diagnosis or therapy.

[]

Con

• The very definition of patents suggests that it is related to invention rather than discovery.Opponents of gene patenting argue that genes are pure discoveries. They also point out that with modern automated gene analysis techniques, the non-obviousness of genes is becoming doubtful.

[]

[]

[]

[]

[]

Write Subquestion here...

[]

Pro

• Some of the earliest and biggest products in biotechnology were proteins derived directly from patented gene sequences, and these had been very valuable. For instance, Epogen, made by Amgen, was derived from a single gene sequence.http://www.forbes.com/2002/06/26/0626targets.html

• Genetically engineered plants and animals, such as GM maize or lab mice designed to be prone to cancer,should be patented as they help bring about invention of new medicines through research on them. This may lead to major breakthroughs in the field of medicines and other related fields in diagnosis of various diseases.

[]

Con

• Research in genes may lead to the evolving of new,incurable diseases which will lead to further complications.Instead of advancement,it may lead to backdrop of society.

• Commercialization of genes by issuing patents will prove to be an incentive for fast paced growth or commercial exploitation?

[]

[]

[]

[]

Should Genes of living organisms be Patented?

[]

Pro

• Patents will provide monetary incentives to the patent holders for further research and development.

[]

Con

• A naturally-occurring gene can be patented as an isolated sequence, which could mean paying the patent holders for naturally occurring genes as the species evolve.

See also

• Debate: Patenting of genetically modified seeds and plants

External links