Does the European ban on stem-cell patents have a silver lining?
30/10/2011
The European Court of Justice ruled on 18 October that procedures involving human embryonic stem (ES) cells cannot be patented.
Many scientists were shocked and dismayed but is it really that bad?
In the days that followed this ruling, there seemed to be a general concensus that there are other ways for companies and scientists to protect their inventions in Europe. In fact some believe that a lack of patents could speed up, rather than suffocate, innovation. "If anything the ruling is an opportunity," stated Professor Chris Mason of University College London. "It's not the end of stem cells in Europe."
So perhaps there really is a 'silver lining' or perhaps not? May be only time will tell. More...
Author: Greer Deal, Director of Global Regulatory Services