Scientists seek to patent genetically-engineered animals

19 May 1998

Scientists seek to patent genetically-engineered animals

By Brian Brady, Press Association

THE Government is considering three patent applications made in the last year relating to genetically-engineered animals, science minister John Battle disclosed last night.

He said in a Commons written reply that two patent co-operation treaty applications had been submitted involving the manipulation of animal embryos and the animals they produced.

The third such application related to “transgenic animals encoding an agent involved in the regulation of bone marrow”.

Mr Battle said none of the applications, received under the 1997 Patents Act since last June, had yet been granted.

He stressed his reply did not cover applications filed at the European Patents Office, which would have the legal effect of UK patents if they were granted.