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Agency to Re-Examine Stem Cell Patents
- Article from:
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AP Online
- Article date:
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October 3, 2006
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Copyright informationCopyright 2006 Associated Press/AP Online. This material is published under license from the publisher through YellowBrix, Alexandria, Virginia. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to YellowBrix. (Hide copyright information)
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MADISON, Wis. - The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office will re-examine patents covering embryonic stem cell discoveries made by University of Wisconsin researchers.
The decision means the office could revoke, modify or leave intact patents that cover all embryonic stem cell research in the U.S. But any such action could be months to several years away.
Critics say the patents are too restrictive and have been impeding the field.
The patent office is acting in response to challenges brought by two groups who contend the patents should never have been issued because other researchers paved the way for the breakthroughs in Wisconsin.
Patent examiners said in recent rulings that the claims ...