T 1553/22 (Human-pig chimeras/UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA) of 04.09.2024
- European Case Law Identifier
- ECLI:EP:BA:2024:T155322.20240904
- Date of decision
- 4 September 2024
- Case number
- T 1553/22
- Petition for review of
- -
- Application number
- 16759528.9
- Language of proceedings
- English
- Distribution
- No distribution (D)
- Download
- Decision in English
- OJ versions
- No OJ links found
- Other decisions for this case
- -
- Abstracts for this decision
- Abstract on Article 053 EPC
- Application title
- ETV2 and uses thereof
- Applicant name
- REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Opponent name
- -
- Board
- 3.3.04
- Headnote
- -
- Relevant legal provisions
- Directive 98/44/EC of 6 July 1998European Patent Convention Art 53(a) (2007)European Patent Convention R 26(1) (2007)European Patent Convention R 28(1) (2017)Vienna Convention on the Law of the Treaties
- Keywords
- Exceptions to patentability - invention contrary to morality (yes)
The Vienna Convention - principle of narrow interpretation of exclusions - no
Category of non-patentable inventions
Human-animal chimeras - Catchword
- Human-animal chimeras and processes to produce them are excluded from patentability in accordance with Article 53(a) EPC if the invention offends against human dignity.
This is the case for instance if it is not excluded that the human cells involved in the chimera integrate into the brain and/or develop into germ cells of the chimera, and result in a chimera with human or human-like capabilities (see point 22 of the Reasons). - Citing cases
- -
Order
For these reasons it is decided that:
The appeal is dismissed.