Intellectual property law and genetic health care

This article provides a basic analysis of intellectual property law, the treatment of genetic information under Title 35 of the United States Code, the controversies surrounding patenting of genetic sequences and related products, and the effects that restriction of information may have on the quality of health care in the United States. In addition, this piece addresses technology transfer and historical developments in public policy that have influenced patent trends. The intended product is not a rigorous review of the scientific or legal literature, as the included cases have been cited elsewhere to accentuate the same points. However, the compact format of the material should be especially valuable for physicians and health personnel who might not have been exposed to these issues as part of their formal professional training.