§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the UK patents which have been(a) applied for and (b) granted between (i) 1 July 1999 and 27 July 2000 and (ii) since 28 July 2000 in respect of genetically engineered animals and processes for creating such animals; and if he will make a statement. [137293]
§ Dr. HowellsI can give information only about patent applications which have been published. Prior to publication such information is confidential. Patent applications filed since 1 July 1999 will not yet have been published, since publication occurs 18 months after filing. Between 1 July 1999 and 27 July 2000 four UK patents relating to genetically engineered animals or processes for creating them were granted. These were GB 2318578, GB 2331751, GB 2318792 and GB 2340493, all relating to reconstituting an animal embryo. Since 28 July 2000 there have been no UK patents granted relating to genetically engineered animals or processes for creating 229W them. This information does not include applications filed at the European Patent Office which may have the effect of UK patents if granted by that office.