Chris Hansen

Patenting the Breast Cancer Gene

On Monday, December 11, the Berry Center co-sponsored a Breast Cancer Gene Symposium with Dimensions and the Pre-Law program. The keynote speaker was Chris Hansen, the lead attorney from the Americans for Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Hansen discussed the timeline of the suit filed against Myriad Genetics, the patent holder for the BRCA 1 & 2 genes. He explained aspects of intellectual property law, gave a synopsis of both sides of the case, and explained why this case will be a benchmark in the patenting of naturally occurring phenomena.

Following the presentation, Hansen answered questions from the audience and attended a luncheon with students.

In the latest news on the case, U.S. District Judge Robert Sweet has struck down the patent filed by Myriad Genetics, siding with the ACLU. He ruled on March 29, 2010. Click here for more details.

Student Perspectives

Chris Hansen's presentation provided me with an insight into the legal workings of the case and his experiences learning genetics. I thought his presentation was fantastic and am eager to follow the case. -- Allie Jagielo '11

Chris Hansen has exactly the job that I want, right down to his focus on racial justice. So just being able to meet him was incredible. He was also amusing and the issue was interesting, but it was sort of like meeting an astronaut when you're a four year old kid. Didn't really matter what he was talking about, I would have had a great time. -- Eli Wade-Scott '10