A discussion of the Myriad Genetics litigation where the ACLU, on behalf of medical organizations, researchers, genetic counselors and patients, sued Myriad Genetics, the Directors of the University of Utah Research Foundation and the US Patent and Trademark Office, challenging the patentability of certain composition of matter and method claims relating to human genetics. The main issue in the litigation was whether isolated and synthetic DNA molecule claims and diagnostic method claims covering screening potential cancer therapeutics based on cell growth rates or analyzing certain human gene sequences are eligible for patent protection under Section 101 of the Patent Act.