Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

Does anyone know if 23andMe will be able to patent parts of my gene sequence? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_patent)

Edit: It's genotyping, not sequencing, so the answer is no. Leaving the question here in case someone else wondered.




Regardless of how your genome sequence is read (by genotyping or sequencing), there's the potential for gene patents to be filed based on associations that are discovered between certain genetic variants (e.g. SNPs, which are the variants typically read during the genotyping process) and traits of interest, such as diseases. The big question is whether the USPTO will continue to grant such patents--the ACLU is challenging this premise now in a case against Myriad Genetics, http://www.aclu.org/free-speech-womens-rights/aclu-challenge....




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: