Patents On Synthetic Life "Extremely Damaging"

An anonymous reader writes "Pioneer and veteran of genomics Professor John Sulston is extremely concerned about the patent applications on the first synthetic life-form. The patents were filed by the Venter Institute following the announcement of the first life-form to have a synthetic genome. Sulston claims the patent is excessively broad and would stifle research and development in the field by creating an effective monopoly on synthetic life and related molecular techniques. Prof. Sulston had previously locked horns ten years ago with Dr. Craig Venter over intellectual property issues surrounding the human genome project. Fortunately, Sulston won the last round and the HGP is freely accessible — Venter had wanted to charge for access, just as he now wishes to make 'synthetic life' proprietary."

Exter ... ?

[Skapare]

Somehow, as I was reading it, that title seemed to have the word "exterminate" in it. But maybe not.

Prior Art

[Mattskimo]

I'd better hurry up and spit in a bag and post it to myself as evidence of prior art.

Re:Time to go..

[Pojut]

And at the same time, I may pantent you as well.

Is that when, instead of pulling someone's pants down, you just rip the pockets off? :p

Don't you understand?

[fuzzyfuzzyfungus]

Craig Venter's dream is to use the tools of science to create the world's first true patent troll. Not a mere shell corporation; but a living, breathing creature, equal parts mythological tusks and contemporary instinct for ruthless litigation. Natural habitat? The Texas rocket-dockets...

Re:This ain't a patent troll

[Kilrah_il]

10 Yep, I think we can all safely say that The Genome is the mother of all Prior Art!
20
30 P.S.
40 No, I didn't read the patent application, so I don't really know how broad their application is and if the summery doesn't stretch the truth a bit in Prof. Sulston's direction. Assuming the summery is correct - Go To 10

Re:World domination. Finally.

[couchslug]

"So if you study steel, all steel structures should be yours? And if you study the world..."

I'll study poontang, thank you very much!

Re:World domination. Finally.

[ArbitraryDescriptor]

So if you study steel, all steel structures should be yours?

Sure, who cares about steel; steel is weak. What is steel compared to the synthetic flesh that wields it? Now go and contemplate this on my re-sequenced Tree of Woe (patent pending*)

*That is power.