The Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc. case involves the researchers who patented their "discovery" of the BRCA breast and ovarian cancer genes, and then licensed them to Myriad Genetics.

Myriad aggressively enforces the patent, which is unprecedented. The standards for gene patenting are still being determined in this era, and most research companies do not fight for exclusive patents over their material, because exclusivity is not yet legally protected.

Myriad, on the other hand, fights against any company potentially profiting from similar research, and declares exclusive ownership of the genes. As a result, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) files a suit, which leads to this U.S. Supreme Court case and the patents being invalidated.

However, a clause in the Supreme Court decision allows for the patenting of "complementary" DNA: DNA that has been modified.