(1) European Academy for Environment and Economy, Bioethics Law, Lueneburg/Berlin, Togostr. 75, 13351 Berlin, Germany;(2) University of Lueneberg, Scharnhorststr. 1, 21335 Lueneberg, Germany
Abstract:
This paper elaborates on discussions in Germany regarding some of the ethical and legal issues in the area of the use and patenting of inventions involving human tissue. The issues discussed pertain to the benefits and problems regarding informed consent and the issue of property rights as they relate to the donation of cells and tissue. An earlier version of this paper was presented at an international conference, “The Ethics of Intellectual Property Rights and Patents,” held in Warsaw, Poland on 23–24 April, 2004.
