§ Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the United Kingdom patents which have been(a) applied for and (b) granted since 18 May 1998 in respect of genetically engineered animals and processes for creating such animals. [89932]
§ Dr. HowellsI can only give information about patent applications which have been published. Prior to publication such information is confidential. There have been a total of three applications filed under the Patents Act 1977 and published since 18 May 1998 relating to genetically engineered animals and processes for preparing them. Patent No. GB 2331301 relates to a transgenic mammal for use as a model in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Patent No. GB 2327679 relates to transgenic fish and Patent No. GB 2331751 relates to methods of cloning animal embryos. Only Patent No. GB 2327679 has so far been granted.
Three other patents have been granted since 18 May 1998. They are Patent No. GB 2312899 for transgenic mammals useful as models for the treatment of bone disorders, GB 2291646 which relates to transgenic fish transformed with growth hormone and GB 228807 which relates to mammals transformed with a gene encoding a neurotoxin.
This information covers only applications filed at the UK Patent Office and does not include applications filed at the European Patent Office and which may have the legal effect of UK patents when granted by that Office.