§ 27. Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will set out his responsibilities in respect of issues relating to patenting of genetic material. [71625]
§ Mr. BattleThe Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has responsibility for the Patents Act 1977 and associated Rules, and for making any amendments to this legislation which, for example, may be required to implement the European Directive (98/44/EC) on patents for biotechnological inventions. This legislation is administered by the Comptroller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks who has responsibility for granting patents under the criteria specified in this legislation. Rights granted can be challenged before the courts.