Source: GREENPEACE news archivehttp://www.greenpeace.org/~geneng/TWO BIOTECH COMPANIES WITHDRAW EMBRYO PATENTS 10 October 2000, Hamburg: Stem Cell Sciences (SCS) and Bio Transplant, who had applied for a patent on human/animal embryos to the European Patent Office (EPO), have declared that they will no longer include human embryos in their patents anywhere in the world. These are the first biotech companies to admit having gone too far in claiming patents on human embryos. However, they made no concession on abandoning patents on life. Greenpeace welcomed the voluntary commitment, which came after the organisation exposed the scandalous patent application to the public last week (1). However, Greenpeace warned that patents on life would be granted as long as the law permits. Greenpeace demands the EU Patent Directive be changed in such a way that it would prohibit all patents on life. In a statement, SCS said: “SCS patent claims identified by Greenpeace and others as en-compassing methods for human reproductive cloning or the genetic modification of humans have in one previous instance and will in any future instance be amended so as to specifically exclude this possibility. Greenpeace has raised concerns directly with SCS and BioTransplant Inc regarding possible plans to patent human embryos. SCS and BioTransplant are strongly opposed to such a concept and support Greenpeace’s position in this matter.” Greenpeace genetic engineering campaigner Thomas Schweiger said that the two biotech companies had conceded that their claims had gone too far in patenting human embryos and abandoned their outrageous claims. “Although this is a small step forward, such voluntary commitments will not generally stop a practice that is permitted by law. In a broad sense, the industry still continues to treat all life forms as patentable human inventions that can be exploited for profit,” he said. This unexpected turn in the debate over patents should send an important signal to political decision-makers in European countries, most of who are in the process of incorporating the controversial EU Patent Directive into national law. Improving patent law to prevent patents on life would require re-negotiation at the European level. (1) Stem Cells Sciences and Biotransplant patent application, WO 99/21415, was published internationally 6th May, 1999. Stem Cell Sciences (SCS) (Australia) and Biotransplant (USA) have jointly applied for a patent covering the cloning of embryos, including human embryos, as well as mixed species embryos from pigs and humans. In addition, the companies applied for an exclusive right for genetic manipulation of embryos produced with their technology. The companies specifically applied for a broad patent that would cover not only pig, cow and sheep, but also human embryos. 첨부 파일과거 URLhttp://www.ipleft.or.kr/bbs/view.php?board=ipleft_5&id=86