Patenting biotechnology in Europe - a step forward

The European Parliament approved the European Directive for Biotechnological Inventions on 13(th) May. The debate during its ten year passage has been highly polarized between government and industry on the one hand, and a range of opposition groups as well as some scientists on the other. The Directive approved by the Parliament has attempted to accommodate both sides by increasing the ethical provisions while confirming the patentability of DNA sequences and transgenic plants and animals. The debate should now move to focus on the impact of the directive on healthcare systems and agriculture. However, many of the more controversial issues associated with patenting in biotechnology lie outside the reach of the Directive and remain within the province of the patent offices and lawcourts.