Eric M Russell (4/24/2013)
I hope it never gets to the point where corporations can claim ownership of gene sequences (whether they be natural or engineered) in our body. That would make procreation look like copyright infringement.
The conflict comes when we realise that we really do as a society want this sort of work done, if this work has value. Do we as a society want these tests for cancer to be available? And if so, what do we suggest as an alternative to the patent system? How do we fund valuable work?
I'm not picking sides, and this particular case does include testimony regarding other work being done that may not have subsequently been patented, but with intellectual property issues, there are going to be two sides to this issue and society is well served by these conversations in regards to these issues.