Editor's Summary
3 May 2007
Stem cell patents
In a surprise move, US patent authorities have revoked three key patents on human embryonic stem cells. The patents, covering methods for making embryonic stem cells from primates, are held by the University of Wisconsin-Madison's alumni research charity. The decision cuts two ways: it frees other researchers to use the technology, but if their work is similarly unprotected by patent, it could undermine the biotechnology industry.
Business: Patenting the obvious?
A patent ruling has delivered a serious blow to one US state's hopes of a biotechnology boom. Erika Check reports.
doi:10.1038/447016a