Open AccessThe patentability of biomolecules – does online bioinformatics compromise novelty?
Author(s) -
Hutter Anton
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
comparative and functional genomics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1532-6268
pISSN - 1531-6912
DOI - 10.1002/cfg.149
Subject(s) - patentability , novelty , upload , key (lock) , confidentiality , computer science , data science , compromise , the internet , world wide web , computer security , intellectual property , patent law , law , political science , philosophy , theology , operating system
Researchers are becoming increasingly concerned that the confidentialityof their novel biomolecule sequences is being jeopardised, particularly whenthese sequences are either submitted to sequence databases or uploaded asquery terms onto internet‐based bioinformatic software suites. The researcher'sfears stem from the fact that the actual uploading of their sequences actsas a novelty destroying prior disclosure or publication, and that this maysubsequently preclude valid patent protection for the sequences. This articleaddresses the key issues involved in the analyses of biomolecules, highlightingpotential risks taken by many researchers in regard to patent protection andsuggests possible ways in which these risks may be mitigated. Copyright ©2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.