Greenpeace Challenges Stem Cell Patent

Greenpeace in Germany challenges a stem cell patent issued to Oliver Brüstle of the University of Bonn. The patent covers the cell culture method used to derive neural cells from embryonic stem cells. The research uses existing cell lines and does not involve cloning or any other ethically controversial practices. The heart of the dispute is whether, under European Law, a patent holder can profit from the commercialization of human embryos. This will be a landmark case.