ACOG Committee Opinion. Number 364 May 2007. Patents, medicine, and the interests of patients.

Abstract

Many basic scientists and clinicians support the right to obtain and enforce patents on drugs, diagnostic tests, medical devices, and most recently, genes. Although those who develop useful drugs, diagnostic and screening tests, and medical technologies have the right to expect a fair return for their efforts and risks, current interpretations of patent law have the potential to impede rather than promote scientific and medical advances. Policies regarding the patenting of scientific inventions, discoveries, and improvements must balance the need for the open exchange and use of information with the need ot make the pursuit of such knowledge financially rewarding.