Diamond v. Chakrabarty

Diamond v. Chakrabarty was a landmark 1980 U.S. Supreme Court case that determined whether living organisms can be patented. Ananta Chakrabarty, a scientist, developed a genetically modified bacterium that could break down oil spills. The Patent Office initially denied his patent application, arguing that living things couldn't be patented. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Chakrabarty, stating that the bacterium was a "manufacture" or "composition of matter," thus eligible for patent protection. This case significantly expanded the scope of patent law, allowing for the patenting of biotechnology and encouraging innovation in the field.