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Genetic sequences: how are they patented?

Nature Biotechnology volume 22, pages 231–232 (2004)Cite this article

A survey reveals that the way in which genetic sequences are claimed in granted patents are heterogeneous and imprecise, which may lead to questions regarding their validity.

Over the last 12 years, the number of patents containing nucleic acid or protein sequences that are granted by patent offices has been constantly increasing. Two distinct types of information are typically required in order for a sequence-based invention to be deemed patentable: a description of the gene's composition, that is, its sequence, and the function or utility assigned to it. The nature of the evidence of utility to be provided in order to satisfy the patentability criteria is the subject of intense controversy and has been widely debated1.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Corporate Intellectual Property Department at IPSEN, 24 rue Erlanger, Paris, 75016, France

    Guillaume Dufresne

  2. Genomic and Proteomic Sciences Department at Pfizer Global Research & Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, 06340, Connecticut, USA

    Manuel Duval

Authors
  1. Guillaume Dufresne
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  2. Manuel Duval
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Correspondence to Manuel Duval.

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Dufresne, G., Duval, M. Genetic sequences: how are they patented?. Nat Biotechnol 22, 231–232 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0204-231

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0204-231

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