Researchers in California are hailing a decision by federal regulators that rejected key patent claims on human embryonic stem cells. Researchers say the move should make it much easier to do their work. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, or WARF, owns the patents to human embryonic stem cells. The group claimed its scientists were the first to isolate these cells. WARF forced other stem cell researchers to pay a licensing fee. That prompted some research firms to move overseas.
Dr. Jeanne Loring co-directs the stem cell center at La Jolla's Burnham Institute. She says the move rejecting the patents is a relief.
Loring : We can now move forward without the fear of having WARF show up someday on our doorstep and say they own our discoveries.
The ruling by the U.S. patent office is subject to appeal. WARF officials say they plan to challenge the decision.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
