Genes & Innovation: Navigating Patent Law's Terrain
The Twisted Double Helix: Navigating the Murky Waters of Genetic Patents Genetic technology has revolutionized medicine, offering groundbreaking treatments and a deeper understanding of life itself. But this progress comes with a complex ethical dilemma: who owns our genes? The answer, tangled within the legal framework of intellectual property rights (IPR), often leads to heated debate. The concept of patenting genes – segments of DNA responsible for specific traits – is at the heart of this controversy. Proponents argue that patents incentivize innovation and research by granting exclusive rights to inventors, driving further advancements in genetic therapies and diagnostics. They envision a future where companies invest heavily in gene sequencing and analysis, leading to personalized medicine tailored to individual needs....