Patenting Human Embryonic Stem Cells in the EU
This article was originally published in SRA
Executive Summary
As is common with many new technologies, there are challenges involved in attempting to patent new developments in the field of biotechnology and, in particular, in stem cell technology. Not least, there are ethical and moral questions surrounding the artificial creation of life or cloning, and concerning human dignity and the right to life. There is also debate over balancing the destruction of embryos against the need to develop potential therapeutic agents. Such questions have, unsurprisingly, fed through into the realms of stem cell patenting, since patenting goes directly to the heart of commercialising technology.