Note to users. If you're seeing this message, it means that your browser cannot find this page's style/presentation instructions -- or possibly that you are using a browser that does not support current Web standards. Find out more about why this message is appearing, and what you can do to make your experience of our site the best it can be.

Science 5 December 2003:
Vol. 302. no. 5651, p. 1639
DOI: 10.1126/science.302.5651.1639b
Prev | Table of Contents | Next

ScienceScope

Congress has moved to cement into law U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) rules that bar the agency from issuing patents on "human organisms." But researchers are relieved that lawmakers have made it clear that the ban won't apply to stem cells derived from human embryos.

The provision, sponsored by Representative Dave Weldon (R-FL), is part of a massive spending bill now before Congress (see p. 1636). Stem cell scientists and companies feared it might complicate efforts to transform basic stem cell findings into practical therapies, and after discussions last month (Science, 21 November, p. 1311) the House and Senate agreed to include clarifying language in a statement that accompanies the bill. In addition, PTO Director James Rogan told Congress in a 20 November letter of support that the law is "fully consistent" with current policy.

Slipping patent policy into a spending bill "sets a dangerous precedent," says Biotechnology Industry Organization policy chief Michael Werner. But his group is satisfied with the arrangement.

To Advertise     Find Products

Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)