Dr. Kili&n 
- 2 - 
Septerber 13, 1976 
3. It is my understanding that to be patentable an invention 
must be unique, unobvious (to one skilled in the art), and 
useful. It will be interesting to see if the developments 
in the recombinant DNA area provide useful products such as 
human insulin. 
With these thoughts in mind, I would favor Dr. Fredrickson's 
option 4 permitting institutions to own patents. Then they can 
negotiate with private industry to commercialize the invention 
in return for certain exclusive or partially-exclusive rights. 
If the patent is dedicated to the public, who would be willing 
to invest in its commercial development? 
I would recommend that you consult our Patent Attorneys for their 
views . 
Finally, as may be noted from the attached program, the Southwest 
Science Forum, of which I am a member, is holding a symposium 
on November 11 and 12 which includes a session entitled "Genetic 
Manipulation May be Patented", by Colin Norman. 
R. V. Johnston, D.V.M. 
Occupational Health and 
Medical Research 
B-1222 Building 
mhi 
attachment 
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