The patent.

After a brief outline of the history of the patent the programme turns to its main issue, the patenting of human genes. Jeremy Rifkin (Foundation for Economic Trends) sets out the objections to this and reporter Janice Kirkpatrick visits Iceland where Decode Genetics are carrying out a nationwide genetic survey to investigate complex diseases. Decode are not seeking cures or preventions; their aim is to turn their discoveries to monetary value for the good of the country.