Supreme Court Justices Signal Skepticism Over Gene Patents
During oral arguments in a gene patent case on Monday, several U.S. Supreme Court justices signaled that they were skeptical of the argument that human genes should be patented like a scientific invention but wary of issuing a broad decision on the issue. Some of the justices seemed to favor a plan that would revoke patents for isolated genes but maintain patent protection for manipulated genes or for particular uses of genes. A decision is expected in June.
- "Justices Seem Wary of Bold Action in Gene Patent Case" (Liptak, New York Times, 4/15).
- "Justices Wary on Gene Patents" (Bravin, Wall Street Journal, 4/16).
- "Supreme Court Considers Gene Patents" (Barnes, Washington Post, 4/15).
- "Supreme Court Critical of Patents on Human Genes" (Savage, "Politics Now," Los Angeles Times, 4/15).
- "Supreme Court Considers Gene Patents; Scientists React" (Brown, "Science Now," Los Angeles Times, 4/15).