Prepared Statement on the Supreme Court Human Gene Patent Ruling

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—La Jolla, CA June 13, 2013

J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., Founder and CEO, Synthetic Genomics Inc. and Founder and CEO, the J. Craig Venter Institute

“Today the United States Supreme Court ruled on the validity of BRAC1 and BRAC2 human gene patents stating that, ‘A naturally occurring DNA segment is a product of nature and not patent eligible merely because it has been isolated, but cDNA is patent eligible because it is not naturally occurring,’ is consistent with our views on gene patents and is one we support. This ruling is good news for the biotech industry as it clarifies the rules and reduces uncertainty. 

The field of genomics and specifically synthetic genomics holds great promise for exciting new knowledge to be gained and important products to be developed. In the case of synthetic genomic science and technology, it is clear that these advances are a direct result of human intervention and human construction of DNA. These man-made genetic constructs are already being used to create new vaccines, biofuels and nutritional products. And the ability to protect this intellectual property is a necessary component of a vital and robust science and biotechnology industry.” 

Media Contact

Heather Kowalski 301-943-8879 or hkowalski@jcvi.org