Open AccessCommentary: Isolated Stem Cells—Patentable as Cultural Artifacts?
Author(s) -
Hansson Mats G.,
Helgesson Gert,
Wessman Richard,
Jaenisch Rudolf
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
stem cells
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.159
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1549-4918
pISSN - 1066-5099
DOI - 10.1634/stemcells.2006-0684
Subject(s) - patentability , stem cell , biology , embryonic stem cell , novelty , microbiology and biotechnology , patent law , environmental ethics , intellectual property , genetics , law , political science , gene , psychology , philosophy , social psychology
This article argues that an isolated embryonic stem cell basically represents a cultural artifact that has no equivalent to cells of the embryo, and that it is likely that the isolation of adult stem cells has a similar consequence. An isolated stem cell could thus be distinguished as something other than the stem cell existing as part of a human body. Since isolation of stem cells implies modification, product patents should, where the results carry enough novelty, inventive step, and potential for industrial application, as a matter of principle be a viable option for patent authorities. Questions of morality, which may affect the patentability, should also be viewed in light of the distinction between isolated result and body part. At the same time, it is essential that patent authorities do not accept broad patent claims that will be detrimental to research. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.