http://thinkgene.disqus.com/a bio blog about genetics, genomics, and biotechnologyenThu, 29 May 2008 20:34:34 -0000http://www.thinkgene.com/patent-for-a-pig-the-privatization-of-genetic-information/#comment-2464279If the gene is used in a procedure, that procedure may be patented. I think what is happening is that a template of common procedures regarding genes in laboratory work is patented with the specifics regarding actual gene sequence used in the procedure the "novelty."<br><br>So, I can't patent a gene itself, but I can patent every known procedural permutation of "a method for diagnosing, identifying, or manipulating a phenotype using gene X." The problem is that I think practically, patenting every known procedure regarding a gene is effectively patenting gene the itself (without actually doing so).<br><br>I'm not a legal expert in this by any stretch of the imagination, so additional comments by experts are welcome.Andrew YatesThu, 29 May 2008 20:34:34 -0000