Genes and Ingenuity: Gene patenting and human health (ALRC Report 99)

The Genes and Ingenuity report (tabled August 2004) is the product of an extensive research and community consultation effort over 18 months.

The ALRC’s task was to examine whether the Australian patent system was meeting the challenges of the rapidly developing science associated with the sequencing of the human genome.

Given the diversity of interests and concerns encompassed by these three areas, the ALRC’s task was a complex and delicate one. For example, reforms that might facilitate access to genetic inventions to assist healthcare providers and researchers could adversely affect the growing Australian biotechnology sector and the development and marketing of new healthcare products.

This publication is available for purchase in book format.