Patenting Life - NY Times Article

In an earlier post (June 25, 2012) we memorialized Michael Crichton, the famous author, and described his book "Next."
Crichton also famously wrote an OP-ED piece in the New York Times
The article, entitled "Patenting Life," appeared February 13, 2007 and still rings true today.
The lead: "You, or someone you love, may die because of a gene patent that never should have been granted in the first place.  Sound far-fetched? Unfortunately, it's all too real."
To read the full OP-ED go to:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/13/opinion/13crichton.html

Supreme Court of The United States

        DOCKET

No. 12-398 Title: Association for Molecular Pathology, et al., Petitioners v. Myriad Genetics, Inc., et al. Docketed: October 1, 2012 Lower Ct: United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit   Case Nos.: (2010-1406)   Decision Date: August 16, 2012 ~~~Date~~~  ~~~~~~~Proceedings  and  Orders~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sep 25 2012 Petition for a writ of certiorari filed. (Response due October 31, 2012) Oct 3 2012 Consent to the filing of amicus curiae briefs, in support of either party or of neither party, received from counsel for the petitioners. Oct 24 2012 Brief amici curiae of National Women's Health Network, et al filed. Oct 26 2012 Brief amicus curiae of Academics in Law, Medicine, Health Policy and Clinical Genetics filed. Oct 30 2012 Brief amicus curiae of AARP filed. Oct 30 2012 Brief amici curiae of Cancer Council Australia, et al. filed. Oct 31 2012 Brief of respondents Myriad Genetics, Inc., et al. in opposition filed. Oct 31 2012 Brief amici curiae of Kali N. Murray and Erika R. George filed. Oct 31 2012 Brief amici curiae of Canavan Foundation, et al. filed. Oct 31 2012 Brief amici curiae of American Medical Association, et al. filed. Nov 9 2012 Reply of petitioners Association for Molecular Pathology, et al. filed. Nov 13 2012 DISTRIBUTED for Conference of November 30, 2012.

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37 Guests

The paper work is in for the party held October 21, 2012.  We had a total of 37 guests.  Approximately 30 books were signed.  Keep tuned for more exciting news.

REP. BECERRA APPLAUDS COURT DECISION ON GENE PATENTING

REP. BECERRA APPLAUDS COURT DECISION ON GENE PATENTING

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and a member of the House Ways and Means and Budget Committees, today applauded a U.S. District Court of New York.decision in the case Association for Molecular Pathology v. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which invalidates patents on genes linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The ruling is the result of a lawsuit brought by a group of patients, physicians and scientists. “I have long believed that gene patents hurt patients by limiting access to life-saving tests and preventing scientists from conducting cutting-edge research; that is why I have sponsored legislation banning gene patents,” Rep. Becerra said. Although this court decision represents significant progress, it does not prevent the U.S. Patent and Trade Office from issuing future patents. This decision is also subject to appeal and, therefore, is not yet final.This decision is consistent with gene patent legislation Rep. Becerra has authored and will reintroduce. Rep. Becerra’s bill affirms that products of nature, such as the human genome, cannot be patented. “I will once again introduce legislation banning gene patenting to ensure patients’ access to their own medical information, reduce the costs of gene tests and increase scientific research into personalized medicine. The district court’s decision moves us one day closer to ensuring that genomic research and technology will be there to serve the interests of human kind,” Rep. Becerra said.

Success

The book launch party on October 21st was a grand success.  More on this later with exciting news about a new campaign created as a result of a lively discussion during the party.  Stay tuned for details.

Party Invitation

You are cordially invited to a book launch party

for "Other Peoples Bodies"

on Sunday, October 21

from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

at Beth El Hebrew Congregation

3830 Seminary Road

Alexandria, Virginia 22304

hors d'oeuvres

open bar

dress business casual

no admission fee

30 copies of the book will be on sale for $25 each

rsvp by comment or call 703-960-2921

New Petition for Cert

On September 24, 2012 AMP et als filed a petition for cert in the second round of the Myriad case.  The first question presented for consideration is "Are human genes patentable?"  It appears to be a given that the Petition will be granted.