We've mentioned the court case involving the Myriad breast cancer gene patents several times here at Cancer and Your Genes. Recently, we've discussed the rather surprising summary judgment decision invalidating some of Myriad Genetics' patents on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. This is just the opening salvo in a fight that may make it all the way to the Supreme Court.
The blogosphere and traditional media sites are abuzz with opinions on both sides of the issue that in general seem to be highly polarized. The issue has even reached Stephen Colbert's show.
For those who are still seeking to understand the perspectives of parties on one side or the other of this case, there is an upcoming Genetic Alliance Webinar that should be worth your time:
The Myriad Gene Patent Case – What Does it Mean, and Why Does it Matter?
Friday, April 30, 2010, 12:00pm-1:30pm Eastern time
Presenters
John Conley – Professor of Law, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Joshua Sarnoff – Professor & Associate Director, Glushko-Samuelson Intellectual Property Law Clinic, Washington College of Law, American University
Hans Sauer – Associate General Counsel for Intellectual Property, BIO
Ann Waldo – Senior Counsel, Genetic Alliance
The webinar will be a moderated, yet frank, discussion between Josh Sarnoff (his amicus brief on behalf of the AMA supports the plaintiffs in this case) and Hans Sauer of BIO (the biotechnology industry trade organization), who opposes the plaintiffs' interpretation of intellectual property law. It promises to be a very interesting discussion.
The webinar is free, and you can register here.
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