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SARS Researcher Files Preemptive Patent Application

Posted by timothy on from the my-bug dept.

ocean-navigator writes " CP Press is reporting that the B.C. Cancer institute has filed a defensive patent application to ensure the information remains in the public domain. The lead scientist asked specifically for his name to NOT be on the application, as he feels that he made a discovery, not an invention. Nice to see a few people with principles, in my own backyard too!"

8 of 243 comments (clear)

  1. All those Chinese Infringers--Call WIPO! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    This would mean that anyone who gets SARS is obviously a dirty rotten patent infringer, as they are making, using and (well, hopefully not selling) the "invention."

    Someone should call WIPO and get the Chinese government to enforce patent rights and stop this blatant piracy of our technology.

    And everyone should deeply respect the plethora of enforceable patent rights attached to a $75 U.S. provisional patent application.

  2. Re:But we'll take the money anyway! by Dashmon · · Score: 2, Funny

    behaviour that's both principled and commercially astute.

    Is that an oxymoron? :P

  3. Pah by goldcd · · Score: 2, Funny

    I'm sticking with my current civilisation, we get the orgies and general debaucherous behaviour to look forward to before I start stockpiling the tin cans.

  4. Re:Read the fine print... by clonebarkins · · Score: 2, Funny
    But how can an organization be granted a patent on an organism? I mean, at what point are people going to file for a patent on the Zebra?

    Damn, that's a good idea ... I'll get my lawyers on it right away....

    Oh, wait...all my lawyers are jackals....

    --

    "The evil of the world is made possible by nothing but the sanction you give it." -- Ayn Rand

  5. Retribution by dalran · · Score: 3, Funny

    Hmm, if I get a patent for something like ie the DNA sequence of the SARS virus should I not also be accountable for it's use? In this case shouldn't victims be able to sue the patent holder for damages??

    Note that the linked article mentions a firm in Hong Kong that is seeking to patent the entire SARS virus.

    Btw... how are mutations handled? Are they to be considered derived works??

  6. Oh! So your the creator of SARS... by pestihl · · Score: 3, Funny


    Seems to me those who hold the patents should pick up the tab for the mess.

    --
    "What do you do with the mad that you feel when you feel so mad you could bite?" - Mister Rogers
  7. If one can patent the genetic sequence of by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    a naturally occuring disease that one did not make, then does this mean that one can bring patent violation suits against all those who contract the disease? Does this open the door for those who are involuntarily onfected for suing the patent holder for removal of the offensive material which they did not wish to purchase or license? (akin to someone mailing you a book, it is yours to do with as you want...)

    the possibilities for legal mayhem astound me!

  8. Patent SARS by CrackersnSoup · · Score: 2, Funny

    A firm in Hong Kong is seeking the patent to the entire SARS virus.

    The "typhoid mary" should have he right to patent SARS. While SARS is thought of as natrual what if it was a production via this persons body??

    Maybe the first person to get SARS natrualy produce's it as a(symptom?) of there stage in life, like peoples odor. Are such things patentable?? (well odors, smell's and fragrances are not. As it has been said, Its a discovery treat it as one.)

    Crackers`n`Soup