Journal Clubs are opportunities for informal discussion, in which students and faculty explore a topic of interest in law and the biosciences. This week, Harker Rhodes (SLS 2012) will facilitate discussion.

"The Government's New Stance on Gene Patents: Is This The End?"

Last year, a federal district judge in New York sent shock waves through the world of biotechnology by invalidating Myriad Genetics' patents on the breast-cancer-related genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. Then the Department of Justice agreed - arguing in an amicus brief to the Federal Circuit that the district court got it right. Is this the end of gene patents as we know them?

Readings:
Justice Department Opposes (Some) Gene Patents in the Myriad Appeal
U.S. Says Genes Should Not Be Eligible for Patents