Animal Liberation: "compassion begets compassion": Corporations & Patents on Human Genes

Stop Killing Dogs

You can help us change the life of millions of dogs (PETITION). International support against dog torture and dog meat consumption is the only way to put pressure on the South Korean government to protect animal rights for real and ban the dog meat industry in all forms. This petition will be presented to the Korean officials in Seoul by the Korea Animal Rights Advocates when at least or more than 1 million signatures have been collected. This petition is different from any other petition made in support for Korean dogs because of its great scope. People across the world are able to see the "Stop Killing Dogs" page in English, French and in many other languages, and understand that it is not a harmless ancient tradition or anything inevitable. Visit: Stop Killing Dogs

Note To My Critics:

The links to the many sites that I've included contain information that I believe to be relevant, be it the graphics, the videos, the undercover investigations, etc. . Exposing & and ending the brutality and savagery inflicted on the non-human animals is what I am focused on. I strongly believe that every voice against animal abuse/exploitation is of value and -and- collectively we have the power to end it. I am here for the animals, not for anyone's approval and for that I make no apologies. ** I do not promote violence towards humans. ___________________________________________________

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Corporations & Patents on Human Genes

ACLU:

Dear Friend,

ACLU on 60 Minutes
this Sunday

On Sunday night, CBS's 60 Minutes will present a profile about a recent victory in a ground-breaking gene patent case.

Please tune in and see the important work your support helps to make possible.

I wanted to let you know about a recent groundbreaking ACLU victory that the support of friends like you helped make happen.

For over 20 years, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) has been issuing patents on human genes—giving corporations, individuals, and universities exclusive rights to test, study, or even look at specific genes.

Arguing that this practice violates patent law as well as the public's First Amendment rights, which protect the free exchange of ideas and information, the ACLU—along with the Public Patent Foundation—filed suit against the PTO and Myriad Genetics in May 2009. Myriad Genetics holds the patent on two genes linked with breast and ovarian cancer, BRCA1 and BRCA2.

I am thrilled to report that, on Monday, a federal district court judge ruled that human genes can not be patented. This is the first time a court has said that this practice is unlawful.

Myriad Genetics has already announced that it will appeal this decision. But, this is a tremendous first step in bringing an end to patents that restrict people's access to their own genetic information and interfere with their medical care.

I could not be prouder of the creative and hard-working ACLU attorneys who argued this case. While many have spoken out against gene patenting over the years, our lawsuit was the first to ever challenge gene patents on First Amendment grounds. The Genomics Law Report called the decision "radical and astonishing in its sweep."

It is only with the support of friends like you that we are able to take on groundbreaking cases like this to defend, preserve and expand individual rights.

Best,

Anthony D. Romero
Executive Director
American Civil Liberties Union

P.S. Watch CBS's 60 Minutes this Sunday evening to learn more about this case. And forward this email to tell your friends to tune in as well.