human body

Patenting the Human Body - Invention or Nature?

Patenting the Human Body - Invention or Nature?

A significant decision has been handed down by the Full Bench of the Federal Court of Australia today in regards to intellectual property and the human body. The decision centres around the BRCA1 gene mutation, commonly known as the ‘breast cancer gene’. In a landmark decision the court has found that a private company is within its rights to hold a patent over this gene.