Home » Intellectual Property

Gene Patenting

Gene Patent Myths

Gene Patents and the Myriad patent case reveal the confusion that often occurs when you mix science, law, politics, and emotion. This article provides a digest of a series of blog posts on Biotech-Now that address common myths in the gene patent debate.

Hindering Progress: Gene Patent Limits Could Impede Innovation

A new federal recommendation could hinder innovations from biotechnology R&D by limiting gene patents and licenses.

At Stake: Gene-Based Patents

A patent case winding its way through U.S. District Court has the potential to hinder biotechnology R&D if the judge hearing the case rules in favor of the plaintiffs, led by the American Civil Liberties Union.

Efforts to Restrict Gene Patenting and Licensing Would Threaten Advances in Public Health and Harm the National Economy

On February 4th, BIO hosted a media briefing on how efforts to restrict gene patenting and licensing would threaten advances in public health and harm the national economy.

Unmet Needs are in the Genes -- Treatment Options for Rare Genetic Disorders

Genetic disorders known as Lysosomal Storage Diseases, including Gaucher disease, Fabry disease and Pompe disease, continue to be an area of high unmet medical need.

Dr. Cliff Reid of Complete Genomics discusses his company's novel DNA sequencing technology
The Myth of the Anticommons

The theory claiming that the over-patenting of biotechnology research hinders the research and development of new treatments is not supported by empirical evidence.

Cloning Fact Sheet

On July 23rd, the House passed by voice vote an amendment on human patenting offered by Dave Weldon (R-Fla.) as part of the Commerce-Justice-State appropriations bill (H.R. 2799).

Letters, Testimony & Comments

BIO Comments on INPI Guidelines for Examination of Patent Applications
February 1 2013
BIO commends the INPI for their efforts to devise guidelines for examining biotechnology related inventions. Given the technological...
More than Myriad: Gene Patent Discussion Must Not Forget Industrial, Environmental, Food and Agricultural Biotech
June 11 2012
On behalf of the 23 undersigned industrial, environmental, food and agricultural biotechnology companies, we write to express our...
USPTO Genetic Testing Study: BIO's Testimony
February 17 2012
If a poor patient in Nevada doesn’t have access to an advanced molecular diagnostic test, and right across the border in California...
2012 Special 301 Report: Biotech's International IP Issues
February 14 2012
BIO has identified the following countries of interest and recommends the following for our 2011 Special 301 submission. Priority...
Australian Gene Patent Bill: BIO Comments to the Australian Senate Committee on Proposed Patent Amendment
February 25 2011
Patent Amendment (Human Genes and Biological Materials) Bill 2010 Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation...
More Letters, Testimony & Comments →

Press Releases

BIO and AUTM File Joint Brief Defending Patentability of DNA-Based Inventions
November 1 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Monday, November 01, 2010) - The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) filed an amicus brief in...
BIO Statement on Initial Decision in Myriad Genetics Lawsuit
March 30 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Tuesday, March 30, 2010) - Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) President and CEO Jim...
BIO Joins Stakeholders in Expressing Concerns with Efforts to Restrict Gene Patenting
February 5 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, February 05, 2010) - The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) released today a letter...
Backgrounder On Patenting Gene-Based Inventions
March 16 2000
WASHINGTON, DC (March 15, 2000) In response to the statement March 14 by President Bill Clinton and British Prime...