some info on gtg

Frequently Asked Questions (taken from GTG website)


What are GTG’s non-coding patents?
Genetic Technologies non-coding patents contain far reaching inventions by the Immunologist, Dr Malcolm Simons.
Dr Simons unique contribution was to bring together several ideas and techniques into a new methodology, which subsequent history has shown to have been particularly insightful and useful.
In essence they are methods for deducing information from the genome by looking for patterns in the part of the genome that does not produce proteins (ie. the non-coding part).
This technique can be used in all genomes that contain non-coding regions (every multi-cellular animal or plant, as well as some single cellular ones)
This methodology has been widely adopted and the patent has wide applicability.
Does Genetic Technologies own your genes (or any genes)?
Genetic Technologies does not own your genes, or any genes.

Genetic Technologies non-coding patents refer to a method for obtaining information from genes in general, not to specific genes or specific genetic sequences.
What is the criticism of GTG’s patents and licensing policy?
One of the fundamental aspects of the patent process is that it gives the patent holder the right to prevent others using the patented invention or to charge a fee for such usage.
The technique patented by GTG has proved to be very useful and has been widely adopted around the world.
The long time that it takes for patents to be issued means that many users of the technique have not realised that it is patented and therefore subject to the rights described above.
Genetic Technologies is not asking users of the invention to stop using the technique, but it is asking them respect its patent rights.
Who has to get a license?
People who utilise the methods described in the patents need to obtain a license from Genetic Technologies.
Commercial activities are covered by commercial licences, pure research by research licences
Typically this is arranged by organisations not individuals.
Will GTG's pursuit of licenses shut down research?
No, Genetic Technologies is an active researcher itself and it is fully supportive of research by others.
To make it easy for researchers to gain license coverage without impacting their work, GTG offers non-commercial organisations a research licence for a nominal, once-off fee of 1000 US Dollars that covers all non-commercial applications for the life of the patents.
Who gets all the money?
Genetic Technologies is a publicly listed company with a duty to provide a return to its shareholders.
The millions of dollars spent on the initial research were invested by private individuals without any guarantee of a return.
Now that the non-coding patents have been issued, GTG is licensing its technology to the world.
Genetic Technologies has re-invested all the revenue from its patents into new research projects and into the establishment of a world-class genetic testing service.
What is happening with GTG licensing now?
In February 2004 the Company signed a license with LabCorp of America.
Significant effort is being applied broadly across the relevant worldwide markets where the patents are most valuable.
As at April 2004 GTG has issued 17 licenses and is involved in many ongoing negotiations.
Are there any royalties or ongoing license income ?
Yes, as our licensing expands our aim is to obtain upfront signing fees and ongoing royalties. Currently we receive ongoing income from many licenses.
Why is Genetic Technologies setting up a genetic susceptibility testing service?
Genetic Technologies wants to make the benefits of the new genetics available and accessible to the people who want and need it.
This is particularly important in an environment where the public sector services are struggling to provide an adequate service.
What is DNA ?
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is your genetic architectural blueprint and is present in almost every cell of your body.
DNA determines the structure and function of every component in your body, including your height, hair color, and susceptibility to disease.
With the exception of identical twins, everyone’s DNA is unique. Half is inherited from your mother and half from your father.
What tests are the company currently offering?
Disease susceptibility for conditions as diverse as cancer, heart disease and blood disorders.
Human athletic performance.
Human relatedness and paternity testing services.
Forensic testing.
Canine disease susceptibility
Canine parentage and pedigree assurance
Bird sexing and disease diagnostics
Plant breeding improvement and progeny determination
Aquaculture and marine species parentage
How do I organise a genetic test ?
It depends on what type of test you are looking.

For parentage and forensic tests, you can contact our Laboratory directly.
If you are looking for a disease susceptibility test you should discuss the matter with your family doctor or specialist and ask them to contact our Laboratory to make the necessary arrangements. If you need any assistance with this, please contact us.
For detailed information on genetic testing, please click here Genetic Technologies Corporation