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Genomics in the public domain: strategy and policy

Nature Reviews Genetics volume 1, pages 70–74 (2000)Cite this article

Abstract

The public domain has been conspicuous in media accounts of public and private sector initiatives to complete the sequence of the human genome. The issue of whether the human genome will be freely available to the public or privately held as a proprietary resource has captured the attention of the scientific, trade and popular press, the financial markets, and even heads of state. Although some media commentary has framed the issue as a conflict between ethics and greed, strategic considerations go a long way towards explaining the timing and quality of information disclosures on both sides of the public–private divide.

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Acknowledgements

This research has been supported by a grant from the United States Department of Energy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Robert & Barbara Luciano Professor of Law at the University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor, 48109, Michigan, USA

    Rebecca S. Eisenberg

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  1. Rebecca S. Eisenberg
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COMPANIES

Celera

Monsanto

Merck

Incyte

Human Genome Sciences

FURTHER INFORMATION

Human Genome Project

Joint statement by Bill Clinton and Tony Blair

The SNP Consortium

The Bermuda rules

National Human Genome Research Institute policy on patenting of human genomic sequence

Interim utility guidelines for Patent Examiners

Written description guidelines for Patent Examiners

European Parliament directive on patenting

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Eisenberg, R. Genomics in the public domain: strategy and policy. Nat Rev Genet 1, 70–74 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/35049590

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