Should Genes be Patented?

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr Luigi Palombi, author of Gene Cartels: Biotech Patents in the Age of Free Trade. Dr Palombi is concerned that the USA have already patented 20% of human genes.

Dr Palomi said:

We the people need to tell our politicians and their advisors that we find anti-competitive conduct unacceptable. That using the patent system in the way that it is currently being used to expand patentable subject matter to genes and other naturally occurring biological materials is unacceptable. That when it comes to the national security of this country (and health is a matter of national security just as is the capacity to produce medicines domestically) patent laws must not be so one sided in favour of the patent owner that national security is jeopardised.

Nearly 20% of all human genes are already patented in the US, but is this grab for intellectual property slowing down vital, potentially lifesaving medical research?

Public hearings begin in some Australian cities from 3 August, discussing whether genes should be patented.
More info: http://www.aussmc.org/GenespatentJul09.php