Artificially Created Human Genes

ACHGs for short, Artificially Created Human Genes are a distinct legal class of human genes from both Natural Genes and Genetically Modified Organisms.

ACHGs are considered Intellectual Property, and as such can be controlled through legal agreement. Usage of ACHGs without a license can be grounds for legal action.

History

The landmark case Diamond V. Chakrabarty in 1980 set the president that altered life can be patented. The 2013 case the Association for Molecular Pathology v Myriad Genetics Inc. established that Human Genes cannot be patented as they were a product of nature. By 2100 the term ACHG was coined to differentiate 'Human Genes' which were a protected class under the Association for Molecular Pathology v Myriad Genetics from completely artificial genes that were added to the Human Genome which had been established as patentable by Diamond V. Chakrabarty.

Legal disputes over the Human Genome would continue for centuries, however by 2300 it had been largely established that ACHGs could be controlled through legal mechanisms, allowing the patent-holder of the genes to legally control their usage and place restrictions on breeding or even revoke usage of the genes of license holders. Legal battles over these are frequent, as genetic drift can cause the gene to be considered something that has occurred naturally. Similarly the court has consistently upheld that if the gene can not be removed without serious health risks to the user, that the gene has become a 'natural' part of the human body making it no longer an ACHG.