A2 Beta Casein Research in Ireland

[kansasdexters]

In the last ADCA Bulletin (Summer 2014), p. 28, there was reference to research being done in Ireland on A2 Beta Casein and the web link, www.teagasc.ie was provided. I found the following research article of interest on that web page, after doing a search for A2 Beta Casein: www.teagasc.ie/research/journalarchives/vol47no1/ijafr1705.pdf

Patti

[carragheendexters]

I have read this article several times, trying to work out what the point of this research in Ireland was. I did wonder if it was just to have a different method for identifying the A2 gene, or the incidence of A2 in Irish cows. They don't really say in their conclusion their reasoning.

However, what I have long been wondering is that regarding A2 Corp and their patents, patents have a finite life, 20 years, so what is going to happen when the patent runs out to A2 Corp. Does this then mean that A2 Corp will have lost all their control and that A2 can be tested by any lab and A2 milk can be marketed and sold by anyone?

I don't know when the patents were granted but I think they were applied for back in something like 2000, so maybe only a few years left, then what ?

Also something that is happening in the patent world at the moment is a case regarding patenting genes.
It has been going through the courts both here in Australia and US for some time. It is concerning the BRCA1 gene (the one related to breast cancer plus others in people) and the patenting of it by a biotech company. They are trying to have control of all testing and that genetic labs that do test outside of their company contracts are breeching patent law.

What is being argued is that genes can't be patented, they occur naturally and are discovered, patents can only be applied to things that are invented.

This will be an interesting case to watch, and what results from it regarding patents laws.

[kansasdexters]

Louise,

The following site has some valuable insights on the A2 Corporation patent issues (scroll down to that part of it):

keithwoodford.wordpress.com/2009/12/16/breeding-for-a2-cows/


There are several different genetic tests that can be done to determine the presence of A2 or A1 Beta casein. The A2 Corporation does not have patent rights or licensing requirements on all of these genetic tests. The A2 Corporation does have a trademark on the term "A2 Milk".


Patti

[carragheendexters]

Thanks for the link Patti. There is a lot of reading there, regarding the patent history etc. Do you know who Edward Miller is? He seems to have a lot of interest in the subject and a lot to say. I am right in thinking he is English? Keith Woodford seems to be sitting on the fence not saying too much about the patents and does backstep a little.
Both the original men who made A2 Corp are now no longer alive. It has now been taken over by investors. I think that is why they floated the company.