Patenting Transgenic Organisms and Isolated Genes - Transgenic plants and animals can be protected through patent claims in several countries now including USA, Japan, Europe, etc. 'Oncomouse' is one such example, where product claim was initially rejected by EPO, but the decision has been overruled on appeal. This is despite the fact that animal genetic manipulation may be considered by some to be an ethical question.

Among transgenic plants, herbicide resistant cotton, insect resistant tobacco and virus resistant potato have been patented. A boll worm resistant cotton may also be allowed patent protection (consult Sci. Amer., March, 1991). There is no doubt, therefore, that 10 future patent claims for transgenic plants and animals fulfilling certain conditions will have to be allowed in several countries.