Gene patenting: the controversyShould companies be able to patent human genes? Studies show that there are several advantages and disadvantages to gene patenting. http://knowgenetics.org/ states that the advantages are that it gives companies that patent genes time to examine genes without competition, encourages research and development in private industry, and provides investment opportunities in research and development. The disadvantages listed are that it hinders research, leads to gene monopolization, and slows medical outcomes. This article will delve into the pros and cons of gene patenting and both sides will be discussed in depth. The information in this article was collected from http://knowgenetics.org/, http://www.theguardian.com/ and http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/. Here is some general information about patents. You may be wondering: what exactly is a patent? According to http://www.theguardian.com/, a patent is a type of license granted by a government to an inventor. It gives the inventor the right, through the courts, to prevent his competitors from making, using or selling an invention without his permission. When a patent is granted, the invention becomes the property of the inventor. However the patent can be bought, sold, rented or leased. A patent normally lasts 20 years. After that, anyone can use the invention without restrictions. http://knowgenetics.org/ explained the many advantages and disadvantages of gene patenting. Some of the advantages are, firstly, that it provides opportunities for investment in research and development. These companies do not have to worry that other companies will compete with them to make new discoveries. This is particularly important for small businesses who may not have the financial means...... middle of paper ...... gene ization, and this slows medical outcomes. The advantages are that it gives companies that patent genes time to examine genes without competition, encourages research and development in private industry, and provides opportunities for investment in research and development. As you can probably tell, gene patenting seems to be a very controversial topic. Np, and Web. December 18, 2013. .Meek, James. “Beginner’s Guide to Genetic Patents.” The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, November 15, 2000. Web. December 20, 2013. “Evidence and Anecdotes: An Analysis of Human Gene Patent Controversies.” » http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Np, and Web. December 18. 2013. .