Michael Crichton (yes, that Michael Crichton) had a good Op-Ed in The New York Times last weekend, on the patenting of simple biological facts. He notes that patent law on genetic discoveries and other biological non-inventions have reached such an absurd point that it is now literally illegal not merely to make use of genetic sequences someone else discovered, but in fact to discuss or even think about such facts! Even in these days of unrepentant corporate feudalism, that’s a staggering length to go to.

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