News

Myriad/Breast Cancer Patent Revoked After Public Hearing
European Patent Office Press Release, EPO website
The European Patent Office (EPO) has revoked the European patent of a U.S. biotechnology company, Myriad Genetics, on a breast and ovarian cancer genetic test.
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Hill Negotiators Agree to Bar Patents for Human Organisms
Associated Press, Washington Post, A19, November 25, 2003
This article summarizes a provision, introduced by Representative David Weldon (R-Fla.) and approved by lawmakers, that bars patents from being issued on human entities. The provision, which becomes part of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's rules, covers genetically engineered human organisms but does not impact patents on genes and other biological materials.
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See also: Congressional Record - House, H7274, July 22, 2003 (Representative David Weldon (R-Fla.) Introduces the Patent Amendment) (Adobe pdf file);
Congressional Record - House, E2417, November 22, 2003 (Representative David Weldon (R-Fla.) Submits a Letter from James Rogan, Under Secretary and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) (Adobe pdf file);
Congressional Record - House, E2234, November 5, 2003 (Representative David Weldon (R-Fla.) Explains the Patent Amendment) (Adobe pdf file)

Cardinal Keeler Urges Congress to Prevent Marketing of Human Beings
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, November 18, 2003
This release highlights Cardinal Keeler's support for Representative David Weldon's (R-Fla.) amendment preventing patenting of human entities.
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Biotechnology Lobby Opposes Weldon Amendment, Seeks Open Door to Patents on Human Embryos
Douglas Johnson, National Right to Life, November 11, 2003
This article discusses the fiscal year 2004 omnibus appropriations bill amendment that bans patents on human organisms.
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