:12:00
and something that works
:12:02
and something that makes
your life better in some way
:12:03
well then who cares.
:12:05
We again
just say thanks!
:12:14
Today the job of building
this nation geographically
:12:17
is completed.
:12:19
There are no new frontiers
within or borders.
:12:23
So to what new horizons
can we look now?
:12:26
Where are tomorrows
opportunities?
:12:29
What's ahead for you
for your children?
:12:33
The frontiers of the
future are not on any map.
:12:36
Theyre in the test
tubes and laboratories
:12:39
of the great industries.
:12:47
The Chakrabarty case is one of
the great judicial moments
:12:49
in world history.
:12:51
And the public
was totally unaware
:12:53
it was actually happening as
a process was being engaged.
:12:56
General Electric
and Professor Chakrabarty
:12:59
went to the patent office
with a little microbe
:13:01
that eats up oil spills.
:13:02
They said they had modified
this microbe in the laboratory
:13:06
and therefore it
was an invention.
:13:07
The patent office and
the U. S. Government
:13:09
took a look at this
quote invention;
:13:12
they said no way.
:13:13
The patent statures dont
cover living things.
:13:16
This is not an invention.
:13:18
Turned down.
:13:19
Then General Electric and
Doctor Chakrabarty
:13:22
appealed to the U. S. Customs
Court of Appeal.
:13:24
And to everyones surprise
by a three to two decision
:13:27
they overrode
the patent office.
:13:33
They said this
microbe looks more
:13:35
like a detergent
or a reagent
:13:37
than a horse or a honeybee.
:13:39
I laugh because they didnt
understand basic biology;
:13:42
it looked like a
chemical to them.
:13:43
Had it had an antenna or
eyes or wings or legs
:13:47
it would never have crossed
their table and been patented.
:13:51
Then the patent
office appealed.
:13:53
And what the public
should realize now
:13:54
is the patent office
was very clear
:13:56
that you cant
patent life.
:13:59
My organization provided
the main amicus curiae brief