DOW CHEMICAL U.S.A. 
TEXAS DIVISION 
FREEPORT TEXAS 77541 
September 29, 1976 
Donald S. Fredrickson, M. D. 
Di rector 
Department of Health, Education, 
and Welfare 
Public Health Service 
National Institutes of Health 
Bethesda, Maryland 20014 
Dear Dr. Fredrickson: 
Your recent letter requesting an opinion regarding patent applications 
in the area of recombinant DNA research activity has been studied by myself 
and others. Being a physician almost automatically disqualifies me from 
having much expertise in the patent area. 
Consequently, I have asked Dr. R. V. Johnston for his advice and a 
copy of his letter is enclosed. For many years Dr. Johnston worked in 
the Dow agricultural product field and was involved with patent positions 
on biological material. If you have any questions, please feel free to call 
Dr. Johnston or myself. 
Sincerely, 
[ 
Regional Director 
Occupational Health and 
Medical Research 
Dow Chemical U.S.A. 
DJK/jm 
Enclosure 
c.fRAC/^ 
( 119 ] 
AN OPERATING UNIT OF THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY 
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