USPTO Provides Guidance in Response to Myriad Decision
The U.S. Supreme Court recently issued its decision in Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc., which clarifies what types of DNA claims are patent eligible. Only a few days later, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued preliminary guidance to its patent examining corps.
Earlier this year, tThe Supreme Court held that a naturally occurring DNA segment is a product of nature and not patent eligible merely because it has been isolated, but cDNA is patent eligible because it is not naturally occurring.
As noted by the USPTO, “Myriad significantly changes the Office’s examination policy regarding nucleic acid-related technology.”In accordance with the Myriad decision, the USPTO advises it examiners:
As of today, naturally occurring nucleic acids are not patent eligible merely because they have been isolated. Examiners should now reject product claims drawn solely to naturally occurring nucleic acids or fragments thereof, whether isolated or not, as being ineligible subject matter under 35 U.S.C. § 101. Claims clearly limited to non-naturally-occurring nucleic acids, such as a cDNA or a nucleic acid in which the order of the naturallyoccurring nucleotides has been altered (e.g., a man-made variant sequence), remain eligible.
The USPTO further added that it is closely reviewing the decision in Myriad and will issue more comprehensive guidance on patent subject matter eligibility determinations, including the role isolation plays in those determinations.
I will keep you informed of any new examination process and rule changes from the USPTO as they become relevant to you business.
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If you, or someone you know, need any help with Intellectual Property issues, from filing a patent, trademark or copyright, or just need advice regarding how best to protect your inventions, ideas or your brand, please contact me for a free 30 minute consultation at nvantreeck@usip.com or call TOLL FREE at 1-855-UR IDEAS (1-855-874-3327) and ask for Norman.
– Ex astris, scientia –
I am and avid amateur astronomer and intellectual property attorney in Pasadena, California and I am a Rising Star as rated by Super Lawyers Magazine. As a former Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy, I am a proud member of the Armed Service Committee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association working to aid all active duty and veterans in our communities. Connect with me on Google +
Norman