Selected Reform Responsa 145
Many responsa subsequently have dealt with copyrights. The main consideration was the effort and investment made in the work; without protection publishers would be unwilling to undertake such risks(Moses Sofer Responsa Hoshen Mishpat#41; etc). All these instances indicate that protection of an invention is permitted and may be considered necessary as well as desirable.
We can see that the pattern of tradition intended to protect someone’s livelihood and reflected social policy. As we look at this social policy in connection with medical experiments we must always ask ourselves whether this enhances or diminishes the respect for human life and all life.
In conclusion we have many reservations about patenting an animal and would reject that concept. We also have reservations about the implications of patenting the genetic change. We would tentatively agree to patenting the process.
March 1989