What are gene patents and are they ethical?
The intersection of genetics, Intellectual Property (IP), and ethics forms a complex landscape where the concept of gene patents takes centre stage. Gene patents, a unique form of intellectual property protection, grant exclusive rights to individuals, organisations, or corporations over specific DNA sequences. Lasting for 20 years from the patent date, these rights often result in sole ownership of crucial genetic information. While this framework aims to stimulate innovation in genomics, it also raises profound ethical and accessibility questions within healthcare and scientific research.