Many people believe that patents on parts of the human genome are a bad idea. Some object on principle, arguing that what is human is inherently special, and should not be the subject of property rights. Some object that DNA sequences are discoveries, not inventions, and thus legally ineligible for patenting (an argument that applies to all DNA patents, not just those on the human genome). Some say that granting patents in the area hinders innovation rather than acting as an incentive, which patents are supposed to do. That is because people who have obtained patents on particular genes are attempting to charge researchers for using those genes in their research, even when no commercial gain is involved. And some argue that there is nothing wrong with the idea in principle, but that patent offices, particularly America's, have been promiscuous in approving applications that do not come up to legal snuff.
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