Ethics and Patenting

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of biology and biodiversity. Specifically the writer discusses the possibility of patenting living things and looks at what the limitations are on this patenting process. The writer explains that living things can be patented, but there are certain limitations on the patenting process. The writer also notes that there are numerous ethical issues surrounding the patenting of living things, and the morality of this practice comes into question. However, the ethics of this practice remain in question. The writer concludes that the Patent office should have guidelines that severely restrict the issuing of patents on living things, because living things, especially humans, should never become a commodity.

From the Paper:

"This created impetus to patent all types of living things, from bacterium to the Harvard mouse, and today, patents are routinely granted on living things, seemingly without any thought. The Patent office does not allow the patenting of a human being, but in the case of the law on mammal cloning, humans are not excluded from the language of the patent, which leaves the patent open to human as well as other types of mammal cloning. Therefore, the Patent office is sending mixed messages with its granting of patents, and it could be conceivable that the office would support a patent for human beings in the future. This is a frightening thought for many people who do not support the idea of cloning humans on both religious and moral grounds, and it will certainly lead to a public outcry if it occurs."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bagley, Margo A. "Patent First, Ask Questions Later: Morality and Biotechnology in Patent Law." William and Mary Law Review 45.2 (2003): 469+.
• Editors. "Can Living Things be Patented?" Bio.org. 2008. 15 Feb. 2008. <http://www.bio.org/ip/primer/livingthings.asp>
• Kevles, Daniel J. "Of Mice & Money: The Story of the World's First Animal Patent." Daedalus 131.2 (2002): 78+.
• Pollack, Andrew. "Debate on Human Cloning Turns to Patents." New York Times. 2002. 15 Feb. 2008.

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