Abstract

Introduction

Physicians have long worried about gene patents’ potential to restrict their medical practices. Fortune and hindsight have proven these worries exaggerated both in the UK and elsewhere. Neither current nor future medical practices appear to be impinged by gene patents, although they may be subject to future intellectual property disputes.

Sources of data

Qualitative and quantitative (survey) studies of gene patents’ effects on medical practice; recent developments in patent law.

Areas of agreement

Traditional gene patents do not appear to have restricted medical practice in the UK, although their effect elsewhere has been more nuanced.

Areas of controversy

Whether patents will restrict the spread of newer medical technologies is unresolved.

Areas timely for developing research

Continuing survey data on practitioners’ views concerning patents’ role in the distribution of newer technologies would be beneficial.

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