Supreme Court Clarence Thomas wrote the unanimous opinion against Myriad Genetics claim that it had a patent on the naturally occurring BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that are used for its breast cancer tests.
See "Justices, 9-0, Bar Patenting Human Genes".
It is very heartening to see another case where dire predictions of strict ideology don't come true. The big corporation was overruled in its attempt to patent nature. Scientists in academia and other corporations should be allowed to access and use these genes.
If you're interested in all the details, you can find the ruling at http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/12pdf/12-398_8njq.pdf.
