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Related Concept Videos

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Genetic Material01:20

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Within the human body, a complex and detailed system of trillions of cells works in unison to sustain life. Each cell houses a nucleus, which contains 46 chromosomes divided into 23 pairs. Chromosomes are highly coiled structures made of the genetic material DNA. These chromosomes are essential carriers of genetic information, with half inherited from the mother through her egg and the other half from the father's sperm, combining to create the unique genetic makeup of an individual.
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Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy on a Semiconductor Based Next-Generation Sequencing Platform
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Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy on a Semiconductor Based Next-Generation Sequencing Platform

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Property rights in genetic information.

Richard A Spinello1

  • 1Department of Operations and Strategic Management, Carroll School of Management, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA. richard.spinello@bc.edu

Ethics and Information Technology
|September 15, 2006
PubMed
Summary

This paper argues against ownership of genetic information, citing utilitarian concerns. Alternative methods like informed consent can protect privacy without hindering biomedical research.

Keywords:
Analytical ApproachBiomedical and Behavioral ResearchGenetics and ReproductionIcelandic Medical AssociationdeCode Genetics

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Area of Science:

  • Bioethics
  • Genetics Law
  • Intellectual Property

Background:

  • The Human Genome Project and bio-prospecting initiatives raise questions about ownership of genetic information.
  • Current debates often cite genetic exceptionalism, arguing for enhanced protection of genetic data.
  • Proponents advocate for ownership to protect privacy, autonomy, and enable benefit sharing from genetic research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a normative case against ownership of genetic information and human tissue samples.
  • To analyze the utilitarian implications of granting property rights in genetic data.
  • To explore alternative mechanisms for protecting individual rights in genetic research.

Main Methods:

  • Normative ethical analysis.
  • Utilitarian ethical framework.
  • Legal and policy analysis of intellectual property in genetic information.

Main Results:

  • Granting ownership rights in genetic information could lead to inefficiencies and hinder biomedical research.
  • The utilitarian benefits of extensive property rights in genetic material are questionable.
  • Alternative mechanisms like informed consent and confidentiality rules can safeguard individual interests.

Conclusions:

  • Ownership of genetic information is not normatively justified on utilitarian grounds.
  • Extensive property rights in genetic data pose a significant barrier to scientific advancement.
  • Informed consent and robust confidentiality protocols are sufficient to protect individuals in genetic research.