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20 Oct 2011

European Court of Justice Bans Patents for Embryonic Stem Cell Research

The European Court of Justice has banned the issuing of patents for embryonic stem cell research, in a case that could have major implications for medical research.

The European Court of Justice has banned the issuing of patents for embryonic stem cell research, in a case that could have major implications for medical research.

 

The ruling follows a challenge by Greenpeace over a patent for nerve cells derived from human embryonic stem cells.The patent, filed in 1997 by Oliver Brüstle of Bonn University, said there were many potential applications for such cells, especially for patients suffering from neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s.

 

The Court of Justice concluded that "scientific research entailing the use of human embryos cannot access the protection of patent law".

 

Lawyers say th

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