DNA-Sequence Patenting: National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Position Paper
- Resource Type
- Academic Journal
- Authors
- McIntosh, Nathalie; Braddock, Bonnie R.; Branda, Kelly J.; Eanet, Karen; Goldberg, Simon; Kieffer, Stephanie A.; Primiano, Lisa; Quercia, Nada; Taylor, Kelly A.; Tsipis, Judith; Yashar, Beverly M.; Yesley, Anne
- Source
- Journal of Genetic Counseling. Aug 01, 2002 11(4):241-243
- Subject
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 1059-7700
In November 2000, the Genetic Services Committee of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) convened a working group to draft a position paper on patenting of DNA-sequences. The mandate of the group was to produce general position statements that support the perspective and needs of consumers of DNA-based genetic tests and therapies (our patients and their families) and participants in DNA-based genetic research. After review and discussion of the literature on DNA-sequence patenting issues, the working group drafted position statement points that support current United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) guidelines; broad licensing of DNA-sequence patents; nonenforcement of DNA-sequence patents in noncommercial research; reasonable royalty rates; an informed consent process for research participants that discloses whether they can share in any financial rewards relating to the project; the development of guidelines for licensing of DNA-sequence patents; and the establishment of oversight organizations to monitor licensing of DNA-sequence patents. These position statements were approved by the NSGC Board of Directors in the fall of 2001.