In May 1998 it finally received Parliamentary approval and came into force at the end of July. There are some significant changes between the first and the final texts but the substance remains the same-virtually unrestricted patenting of animals, plants, cells and genes, including parts of the human body, in Europe. The European Parliament has unfortunately joined the US crusade to allow for patents on virtually anything that lives. Animal welfare will not be guaranteed. There are bans on patenting human cloning and human embryos but these are poorly defined and will be wide open for exploitation by clever patent lawyers.
Today is a black day in Europe's history.
The Greens, who have led the opposition to this legislation for more than 10 years, are now actively considering what legal action can be taken to expose the internal contradictions in the directive and to challenge it on the grounds that it conflicts with international treaty laws which have completely different patent rules. Will the chairman get rid of them. The decision gives the go-ahead for the privatization of life in Europe. Human genes, embryos and body parts will become corporate property along with animals and plants, including entire species. Already Nestle's L'Oreal has patented the South Pacific ceremonial plant Kava, for use in reducing hair loss, while India has reacted furiously to news that Basmati rice has been patented in the US by RiceTec.