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The first attempt to patent human genetic material.

1976

The Story of The Patenting of Life
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A University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) physician nonconsensually isolates cells from his patient's spleen during surgery that demonstrated unusual growth. The physician attempts to patent the cells for use in potential therapeutic approaches.

The patient will later find out and will claim ownership of cells. The U.S. Supreme Court will reject the patient's claims and will send the case back for further deliberation, where it is ultimately settled out of court.