PATENTS
1.28 We recommend that the Government should press,
both within Europe and more widely, for patent rights over genes
to continue to be granted only where a significant gene function
has been established, and to ensure that the patent should cover
only that function and direct extensions of it. Possible but not
yet envisaged and speculative uses of a gene should not be patentable.
(Paragraph 8.30)
1.29 For the future, we recommend
that the Government should monitor closely patenting practices
in the field of genetics and take steps as necessary to ensure
that the proper balance is maintained between protecting inventors'
interests, facilitating commercial development of ideas and allowing
research to flourish. (Paragraph 8.31)
2 As repeated in paragraph 1.24. Back
3
See paragraph 1.24. Back
4
See paragraph 7.31. Back