Figure 2From: Pervasive sequence patents cover the entire human genomeCourt-proposed molecular points of distinction that allow claims on isolated DNA sequences. On the basis of two molecular changes (small circles), specifically to a single phosphate and one hydroxyl group, the Federal Circuit suggested that a new DNA fragment (right) is patentable subject matter. However, such molecular structures rarely appear in gene patents, and they are not present in the BRCA patents.Back to article page