Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain
the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in
Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles
and JavaScript.
After six years of debate, the European Commission's attempts to harmonize biotechnology legislation still face opposition over the patenting of genes. Recent legal experience suggests that its efforts are unnecessary.
In considering the grounds on which to award patents for applications of germline gene therapy, the European Patent Office may have to decide on the basis of "morality". This should not be its job.
