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Andrea Bertossi

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What role do patent laws play in genetic modification biotechnology and artificial selection?

Where do we draw the line between technology that humans have created and the natural evolutionary processes that shape our world? In the Canadian Supreme Court case Monsanto v. Schmeiser, it was ruled that GM seeds could be patented biotechnology. This made me think of artificial selection in breeding of dogs. Could a new dog species be bred and eventually patented? Is there a difference between putting ownership on plant life over animal life even though humans have involved themselves in controlling both?

Topics: Genetic engineering evolution patent law
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  • Derek M

    • +1
    Apr 16 2011: I do not believe that gene sequences should be able to be patented.

    Genetic modification is EXTREMELY important to society and it should be as transparent as possible from the beginning.

    Then again, if they can't be patented, then there would be less incentive to conduct research...
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