Upon discovery of the J. Craig Venter Institute’s
(Institute) application for patent protection on a
synthetic life form, called “Mycoplasma laboratorium”,
the ETC Group promptly announced its intention to
challenge the patent and urged the relevant
authorities to reject the application as contrary to
public morality and safety.  The ETC Group does not
contend that the invention fails to meet the
definitions of novelty, non-obviousness and utility.
Instead, the primary objections are based on ethical,
social and environmental concerns, in addition to
criticisms over the broad scope of the claims and the
potential restrictions on future innovations.  This
uproar is a timely reminder that technological
advancements are outpacing society’s ability to fully
evaluate and debate the consequences of such
technology.  Also, this latest controversy highlights
the inadequacy of Canada’s Patent Act to deal with
these emerging and controversial technologies and the
need for Parliament to revise the current system of
granting patents. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Patentability, Patents
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