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Updated: May 22, 2026

Targeted Next-generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics Pipeline to Evaluate Genetic Determinants of Constitutional Disease
Published on: April 4, 2018
The fate and future of patents on human genes and genetic diagnostic methods
Isabelle Huys1, Gert Matthijs, Geertrui Van Overwalle
1Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Centre for Intellectual Property Rights, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract:
Since the 1970s, patents on human genes and genetic diagnostic methods have been granted under the assumption that they stimulate the development of diagnostic methods and therapeutic products. However, the principles and practices of patenting vary between jurisdictions. Do patent holders, researchers, clinicians and patients really benefit from this heterogeneous patent system? We discuss the problems that result from the current system and suggest how they might be solved by altering the way in which patents are granted and/or licensed.
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