This gives them usage and selling rights over that sequence for up to seventeen years in the U.S. creating a sort of monopoly over anything that pertains to the their patented genes. However effective patents may be nationally, they are not internationally respected, meaning someone would have to apply for a patent in each country separately. Some scientists argue that patents may stall the development of cures to disease because only one group will rightfully be able to work with it. They say the way to maximize the knowledge gained from this data is to allow all scientists, whether they are from multi-million dollar research companies or universities, to have equal access to all gene sequences discovered. On the other hand, scientists and companies have devoted their entire careers to discovering the gene sequences of diseases, that plague our society, like cancer and diabetes, and they are entitled due compensation for their efforts.
Patents allow credit to be given to the discoverers and money to be raised to further their efforts.
Another major concern as the world works is way into this new genetic age is how the use of the information gained from genetic testing should be regulated. This comprehensive study allows both parties views to be compared and contrasted, though is holds no legal weight at this time. Consumers place more emphasis on aspects such as respect between consumers and providers, honest providers that listen to their needs and situations and that keep their values in mind. This study is important to the future of genetic testing because it is a result of effective communication between consumers and providers. This relationship is essential for the preservation of ethics in science.