MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London
Science for Health
Robin Lovell-Badge comments on stem cell patent ruling
19 October 2011
Robin Lovell-Badge (pictured), head of NIMR's Division of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, has been quoted in a number of news sources today, giving an analysis of the effects of the recent European Court of Justice ruling on the patentability of human embryonic stem cells. His comments have appeared in the Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, and in a BBC World Service programme.
Britiain's clear and permissive laws on stem cell experiments mean a great deal of early-stage research could still be carried out here, but the ruling raises the chance of that work being adopted and made profitable by companies operating abroad. It just does not make sense because the technology is still going to be protected by patents but they will be patented abroad, all the income will be generated there and the UK and Europe as a whole will lose out.
Robin Lovell-Badge
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