PATENTS
Biotech Companies Weigh Implications of Judge's Gene Patents Ruling
Podcast: April 5, 2010
The Burrill Report: (April 5, 2010): Biotech Companies Weigh Implications of Judge's Gene Patents Ruling (.MP3,12.45 Mb)
On March 29, a federal judge invalidated seven Myriad Genetics and University of Utah Research Foundation patents relating to two genes linked to breast and ovarian cancer in a decision that surprised patent attorneys. If upheld on appeal, it could alter the landscape for thousands of other gene patents held by biotechnology and diagnostics companies. We spoke to Ken Chahine, a visiting professor of law at the University of Utah about the decision, what it means to the industry, and whether companies that rely on such patents will need to rethink their business models.
