The full bench of the Federal Court of Australia has decided unanimously in favor of Myriad Genetics, upholding its patent claim on the cancer-associated gene BRCA1. Though the patent had not been enforced by Myriad or its Australian licensor, Melbourne-based Genetic Technologies, BRCA1 has been at the center of the worldwide debate on the legitimacy of gene patents. Attorneys for the plaintiff, cancer survivor Yvonne D'Arcy, indicated they plan to appeal the decision to Australia's High Court.