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{OT} On Patenting Euthanasia

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On Patenting Euthanasia

By Alexandra Kemmerer

MUNICH. "Euthanasia Compositions." This title given to a blend of chemicals for the "humane killing of mammals" certainly does not lack for clarity. And, thus far at least, the specifications of the patent have been equally clear that the term "mammal" includes humans.

The European Patent Office registered the 1996 patent application for the deadly mixture under patent no. EP 0 516 811 B 1. Yet on Tuesday, an EPO appeals board sustained several objections that have been filed on the grounds that this terminology was morally offensive, contrary to acceptable public policy and hence not eligible for registration. The patent was reworded and patent protection now embraces only its use on animals.

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