Legal Document

447 U.S. 303 100 Supreme Court Reporter 2204 65 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 144 Sidney Atlantic DIAMOND, Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, Petitioner,v.Ananda M. CHAKRABARTY et al. Number 79-136. Argued March 17, 1980. Decided June 16, Syllabus Title 35 Code KF62 § 101 provides for the issuance a patent to person who invents or discovers "any" new useful "manufacture" "composition matter." Respondent filed application relating his invention human-made, genetically engineered bacterium capable breaking down crude oil, property which is possessed by no naturally occurring bacteria. A examiner's rejection application's claims bacteria was affirmed Patent Office Board Appeals on ground that living things are not patentable subject matter under 101. The Customs reversed, concluding fact micro-organisms alive without legal significance purposes law. Held: live, human-made micro-organism Respondent's constitutes matter" within statute. Pp. 308-318. (a) In choosing such expansive terms as matter," modified comprehensive "any," Congress contemplated laws should be given wide scope, relevant legislative history also supports broad construction. While nature, physical phenomena, abstract ideas patentable, respondent's claim hitherto unknown natural phenomenon, but nonnaturally manufacture composition matter—a product human ingenuity "having distinctive name, character [and] use." Hartranft versus Wiegmann, 121 609, 615, 7 1240, 1243, 30 L.Ed. 1012; Funk Brothers Seed company Kalo Inoculant Co., 333 127, 68 440, 92 588, distinguished. 308-310. (b) passage 1930 Plant Act, afforded protection certain asexually reproduced plants, 1970 Variety Protection authorized sexually plants excluded from its protection, does evidence congressional understanding in do include things. 310-314. (c) Nor genetic technology unforeseen when enacted require conclusion cannot qualify until expressly authorizes protection. unambiguous language fairly embraces invention. Arguments against patentability 101, based potential hazards may generated research, addressed Executive, Judiciary. 314-318. 596 Federal Reporter, 2nd 952, affirmed. Lawrence G. Wallace, Washington, D. C., petitioner. Edward KF105 F3 McKie, Jr., respondent. [Amicus Curiae Information page 304 intentionally omitted] Mr. Chief Justice BURGER delivered opinion Court. 1 We granted certiorari determine whether 2 * 1972, respondent Chakrabarty, microbiologist, application, assigned General Electric asserted 36 related Chakrabarty's "a genus Pseudomonas containing therein at least two stable energy-generating plasmids, each said plasmids providing separate hydrocarbon degradative pathway."1 This multiple components oil. Because this property, bacteria, believed have significant value treatment oil spills.2 3 were three types: first, process method producing bacteria; second, an inoculum comprised carrier material floating water, straw, third, themselves. examiner allowed falling into first categories, rejected His decision rested grounds: (1) "products nature," (2) they 4 Chakrabarty appealed these Appeals, Examiner second ground.3 Relying extended concluded intended cover laboratory created micro-organisms. 5 divided vote, reversed authority prior re Bergy, 563 1031, 1038 (1977), held "the microorganisms . [is] significance" law.4 Subsequently, we Acting Trademarks' petition vacated judgment, remanded case "for further consideration light Parker Flook, 437 584, [98 2522, 57 451] (1978)." 438 902, 98 3119, 1145 (1978). then judgment consolidated with Bergy reconsideration. After re-examining both cases our holding court, one dissent, reaffirmed earlier judgments. 952 (1979). 6 Trademarks again sought certiorari, writ Chakrabarty. 444 924, 261, 62 180 Since then, has been dismissed moot, 1028, 696, 664 (1980), leaving only decision. II Constitution grants power legislate "promote Progress Science Arts, securing limited Times Authors Inventors exclusive Right their respective Writings Discoveries." Article I, 8, cl. 8. promote progress offering inventors rights period incentive inventiveness research efforts. Kewanee Oil Bicron Corp., 416 470, 480-481, 94 1879, 1885-1886, 40 315 (1974); Universal Globe 322 471, 484, 64 1110, 1116, 88 1399 (1944). exercised hope "[t]he productive effort thereby fostered will positive effect society through introduction products processes economy, emanations way increased employment better lives citizens." Kewanee, supra, U.S., 480, S.Ct., 1885-86. 8 question before us narrow statutory interpretation requiring construe provides: 9 "Whoever any process, machine, manufacture, matter, improvement thereof, obtain therefor, conditions requirements title." 10 Specifically, must meaning statute.5 III 11 construction begin, course, Southeastern Community College Davis, 442 397, 405, 99 2361, 2366, 60 980 And "unless otherwise defined, words interpreted taking ordinary, contemporary common meaning." Perrin States, 37, 42, 311, 314, 199 cautioned courts "should read limitations legislature expressed." Dubilier Condenser 289 178, 199, 53 554, 561, 77 1114 (1933). 12 Guided canons construction, term accordance dictionary definition mean production articles use raw prepared materials giving forms, qualities, properties, combinations, hand-labor machinery." American Fruit Growers, Incorporated Brogdex 283 1, 11, 51 328, 330, 75 801 (1931). Similarly, construed consistent usage "all compositions more substances all composite articles, results chemical union, mechanical mixture, gases, fluids, powders solids." Shell Development Watson, 149 F.Supp. 279, 280 (D.C.1957) (citing Deller, Walker 14, Page 55 (1st ed. 1937)). plainly would scope. 13 Act 1793, authored Thomas Jefferson, defined "any art, [thereof]." Feb. 21, Statutes-at-Large 319. embodied Jefferson's philosophy "ingenuity receive liberal encouragement." Jefferson 75-76 (Washington 1871). See Graham John Deere 383 7-10, 86 684, 688-690, 15 545 (1966). Subsequent statutes 1836, 1870, 1874 employed same language. 1952, recodified, replaced word "art" "process," left intact. Committee accompanying 1952 inform "include anything sun made man." S.Rep.No.1979, 82d Cong., Sess., (1952); H.R.Rep.No.1923, (1952).6 14 suggest limits it every discovery. patentable. 451 (1978); Gottschalk Benson, 409 63, 67, 93 253, 255, 34 273 (1972); 130, 441, 588 (1948); O'Reilly Morse, How. 62, 112-121, 601 (1854); Le Roy Tatham, 156, 175, 367 (1853). Thus, mineral discovered earth plant found wild matter. Likewise, Einstein could celebrated law E=mc2; nor Newton patented gravity. Such discoveries "manifestations free men reserved exclusively none." Funk, 441. Judged light, qualifies 1012 (1887). point underscored dramatically comparison here Funk. There, patentee had there existed nature species root-nodule did exert mutually inhibitive other. He used discovery produce mixed culture inoculating seeds leguminous plants. Concluding "only some handiwork ruled nonpatentable: 16 "Each contained package infects group always infected. No acquires different use. combination produces change six enlargement range utility. Each had. perform way. Their improve functioning. They serve ends originally provided act quite independently patentee." 131, 442. 17 Here, contrast, produced markedly characteristics having nature's handiwork, own; accordingly IV 18 Two contrary arguments advanced, neither find persuasive. 19 (A) 20 petitioner's argument rests enactment protection.7 view, Acts evidences things; if did, petitioner argues, necessary. 21 reject argument. Prior 1930, factors thought remove belief even those artificially bred, position appears derived office Ex parte Latimer, 1889 Dec.Com.Pat. 123, fiber needle Pinus australis rejected. reasoned result permit "patents [to] obtained upon trees forest earth, course unreasonable impossible." Id., 126. Latimer case, seems, came "se[t] forth general stand taken matters" Thorne, Relation Law Natural Products, Judge Pat.Off.Soc. 23, 24 (1923).8 obstacle amenable "written description" requirement 112. differ old color perfume, differentiation written description often impossible. Hearings H.R.11372 House Patents, 71st Sess. (1930) (memorandum Robertson). 22 enacting concerns. It explained length work breeder "in aid nature" S.Rep.No.315, 6-8 (1930); H.R.Rep.No.1129, 7-9 (1930). relaxed favor complete reasonably possible." 162. Member Congress, however, expressed broader now urged petitioner, exclude sole support conclusory statement Secretary Agriculture Hyde, letter Chairmen Senate Committees considering present time understood inventions field inanimate nature." Appendix A; Hyde's opinion, entitled controlling weight. views solicited administration scope matter—an area beyond competence. Moreover, suggesting extent considered Secretary's dichotomy unpersuasive. observe: 23 "There clear logical distinction between variety things, such, example, mineral. wholly unassisted man. On other hand, resulting cultivation unique, isolated, repeated can unaided " 6; H.R.Rep.No.1129,supra, (emphasis added). thus recognized not, inventions. research. Hence, affords Government support. 25 Government's position. As acknowledges, included because varieties true-to-type seedlings. Brief Petitioner 27, n. 31. By 1970, generally reproduction possible therefore appropriate. There nothing 26 particular, exclusion 7, supra. gives reason exclusion. suggested, simply reflect agreement reached court deciding Arzberger, 27 C.C.P.A. (Pat.) 1315, 112 834 (1940), Act. Or issued patents 101.9 event, absent indication "focused [the] issues directly presently Court," SEC Sloan, 436 103, 120-121, 1702, 1713, 56 148 (1978), basis reading actions intent modify plain TVA Hill, 153, 189-193, 2279, 2299-2301, 117 Price, 361 304, 313, 80 326, 331, 334 (1960). (B) 28 From argued resolution Congress. best equipped weigh competing economic, social, scientific considerations involved, organisms engineering position, relies recent judiciary "must proceed cautiously asked extend areas Congress." 596, 2529. 29 is, correct courts, define patentability; equally true once spoken province duty judicial department say what is." Marbury Madison, Cranch 137, 177, (1803). performed constitutional role defining 101; ours construing employed. so doing, obligation take them, guided, ambiguity appears, purpose. perceive ambiguity. subject-matter provisions cast fulfill goal promoting Arts" means social economic benefits envisioned Jefferson. Broad necessarily ambiguous objectives terms. Nothing Flook contrary. That applied precedents "claim improved calculation, tied specific end use, unpatentable 101." 595, 18, 2528, 18. carefully scrutinized issue precluded principles underlying prohibition 'ideas' phenomena 593, 2527. done here. announce principle per se. 31 To concept frustrate frequently observed statute confined "particular application[s] legislators." Barr 324 83, 90, 522, 525, 89 765 (1945). Accord, Browder 312 335, 339, 61 599, 601, 85 862 (1941); Puerto Rico 302 257, 58 167, 169, 82 235 (1937). especially rule unanticipated conflict core anticipation undermines patentability. 12-17, 691-693. Douglas reminded most benefiting mankind "push back frontiers chemistry, physics, like." Great & Pacific KF135 P2 Tea Supermarket 340 147, 154, 71 95 162 (1950) (concurring opinion). drafting precisely unforeseeable.10 32 buttress argument, amicus, points grave risks endeavors respondent's. briefs gruesome parade horribles. Scientists, among them Nobel laureates, quoted pose serious threat race, or, very least, dangers far too substantial apace time. told technological developments spread pollution disease, loss diversity, practice tend depreciate life. These forcefully, passionately, presented; remind that, times, seems unable control fully forces creates—that Hamlet, sometimes "to bear ills than fly others know of." 33 disagree. grant denial likely put attendant risks. large amount already occurred researcher sure knowledge available suggests fiat deter mind probing Canute command tides. Whether efforts accelerated reward slowed want incentives, all. What important competence entertain arguments—either brush aside fantasies fear unknown, them. choice make high policy after kind investigation, examination, study bodies provide cannot. involves balancing values interests, democratic system business elected representatives. Whatever validity, contentions pressed political branches Government, courts.11 emphasized past "[o]ur individual appraisal wisdom unwisdom particular [legislative] interpreting statute." 194, 2302. Our task, rather, determining meant statute; powers exhausted. amend engineering. Cf. 42 2181(a), exempting "useful solely utilization special nuclear atomic energy weapon." chose craft specifically designed But, takes action, is. section Accordingly, 37 Affirmed. 38 BRENNAN, whom WHITE, MARSHALL, POWELL join, dissenting. 39 N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions agree one. Neither future even, ability reap monopoly profits pioneering work, stake. he organism contested. need decide exercising Constitution, able secure itself, how used. believe misread applicable legislation, dissent. attempt reconcile Nation's deep seated antipathy monopolies encourage progress. Deepsouth Packing Laitram 406 518, 530-531, 1700, 1707-1708, 668-690, Given complexity delicate careful provided. absence direction, leave decisions privilege where available.1 41 confront vacuum. sweeping re-enacted last pronouncement area. affording developers sexual reproduction. dealing—as it—with routine problem "unanticipated inventions." Ante, 316. patenting animate chosen granting kinds discoveries, excluding others. strongly limitation excludes patentability.2 First, Congress' understanding, since organisms. If newly developed legislation. Those like involved occurring.3 Although Court, ante, rejects line explain why necessary unless pre-existing situation.4 share Court's implicit assumption engaged either idle exercises mere correction public record Acts. certainly doing something significant. contain prose about previously unavailable extending plants.5 H.R. Rep. 91-1605, Pages 1-3 (1970), U.S.Code Cong. Admin.News 5082; order agricultural "human-made inventions" legislation limited, follows never items outside 43 Second, clearly indicates focus concern, coverage 2402(a). attempts supply explanations explicit ring hollow. mention exclusion, give license invent reasons. assuming objects legislated patented, set 44 protests today dictated "be 'particular legislators.' 315, quoting But shown, follow unavoidable implications Rather, extends though encompass broaden reach laws. where, here, uniquely implicates matters concern. Plasmids hereditary units physically chromosomes cell. associate degradation abilities researchers degrading camphor octane, represented four components, transferred maintained stably single bacterium, itself capacity At present, biological spills requires mixture component complex. way, decomposed simpler food aquatic However, various reasons, portion survives attack spill. promises efficient rapid oil-spill control. occurring. pure Streptomyces vellosus lincomycin, antibiotic. involve "conditions requirements" laws, novelty nonobviousness. §§ 102, 103. Federico, principal draftsman recodification, testimony regarding legislation: "[U]nder invented machine 3760 Subcommittee Judiciary, 1st (1951). 161, part: reproduces distinct plant, including cultivated sports, mutants, hybrids, seedlings, tuber propogated uncultivated state, therefor ." "The novel (other fungi, generation hybrids) variety, successor interest, shall 84 1547, generally, ch. IX (2d 1964); R. Allyn, First (1934). Writing years Cook, Editor Journal Heredity, commented: "It little hard understand [Art. 8] promotion art breeding. probably patentable." Florists Exchange Horticultural Trade World, July 15, 1933, 9. 1873, Louis Pasteur "yeast, organic germs article manufacture." 1967 1968, immediately which, concedes, state Reply 3, 2. Even abbreviated list underscores point: telegraph (Morse, 1,647); telephone (Bell, 174,465); electric lamp (Edison, 223,898); airplane (the Wrights, 821,393); transistor (Bardeen Brattain, 2,524,035); neutronic reactor (Fermi Szilard, 2,708,656); laser (Schawlow Townes, 2,929,922). Revolutionary Ideas, America, Trademark (1976). laggard problems technology. action. 1976, National Institutes Health released guidelines NIH-sponsored established performed. Fed.Reg. 27902. 1978 revised relaxed. 60080, 60108, 60134. extensive hearings matters. See, e. g., Genetic Engineering Labor Public Welfare, 94th (1975); Science, Technology, Space Commerce, Transportation, 95th (1977); 4759 Environment Interstate Foreign (1977). admit popular conception, advocates patents, unpatentable. 311-312, agreed dispositive, presents cogent reasons face uncertainty. signs attention organisms, affirmative caveat 90 2529, admonition "proceed Congress," becomes pertinent. think necessity caution much greater foreseen resolved. refers logic perpetuate "dichotomy" suggested Hyde. 313. distinguishable "mineral exactly needed Yet short, decided subset inventions," ibid., Act's purpose solve technical referred 312, totally unnecessary. acting Judiciary Report states Committee's Acts: "Under law, reproduce asexually, methods grafting budding. sexually, seeds." S.Rep.No.91-1246, (1970). Representative Poage, speaking noting accorded stated seed, protection." 116 Cong.Rec. 40295

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