Gene Patents and Legal Challenges

Gene Patents and Legal Challenges

Assessment

Interactive Video

Created by

Emma Peterson

Biology, Science, Social Studies

10th - 12th Grade

Hard

In 2005, a science advisor at the ACLU, feeling stuck, discussed gene patents with a colleague. They discovered that patents on human genes were problematic, restricting research and harming patients. They decided to challenge these patents, focusing on Myriad Genetics, which held patents on BRCA genes. The case was built with a coalition of experts and plaintiffs. After a lengthy legal battle, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that naturally occurring DNA cannot be patented, ending a 25-year practice and opening the door for more accessible genetic testing.

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10 questions

Show all answers

1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was the main issue the narrator wanted the ACLU to address more significantly?

Space exploration

Cybersecurity

Gene patents

Climate change

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the primary controversy surrounding isolated DNA in gene patents?

It is a new invention

It is a product of nature

It is a synthetic material

It is a digital code

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Why was it difficult to challenge gene patents legally?

No legal precedents

Strong support from the biotech industry

Lack of scientific evidence

Public disinterest

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Which company was identified as the prime candidate to sue over gene patents?

Genentech

Pfizer

Myriad Genetics

Novartis

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was one of the major challenges in preparing the case against Myriad Genetics?

Finding enough plaintiffs

Communicating the science effectively

Gaining media attention

Raising funds for the lawsuit

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

How did the narrator describe the process of isolating DNA in the context of patent eligibility?

As creating a new chemical

As a natural process

As extracting gold from a mountain

As synthesizing a new compound

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was the Supreme Court's decision regarding the patentability of human genes?

Human genes are patentable

Isolated DNA is patentable

Human genes are not patentable

Only synthetic genes are patentable

8.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was the immediate impact of the Supreme Court's decision on BRCA gene testing?

Increased testing costs

Multiple labs began offering tests

Testing was banned

Limited testing availability

9.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was the reaction of the US government during the appeal process?

It switched sides to oppose gene patents

It withdrew from the case

It remained neutral

It supported Myriad Genetics

10.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What metaphor did Justice Sotomayor use to describe isolated DNA?

A new invention

A synthetic creation

Just nature sitting there

A digital code

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