Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc.

Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc. was a landmark 2013 Supreme Court case that addressed whether naturally occurring human genes can be patented. Myriad Genetics had patents on certain gene sequences linked to breast cancer risk, which restricted others from testing those genes. The Court ruled that naturally occurring DNA cannot be patented because it is a product of nature. However, they allowed patenting of synthetic DNA (cDNA) because it is man-made and not naturally occurring. This decision clarified that standard genes are not eligible for patents, promoting broader access to genetic testing and research.