At first blush, being able to patent genes seems ridiculous. However, there's a reason behind it. No one will ever have to pay royalties for their DNA. What they will have to do is pay for the medical treatments that come from genes. If it's not set up this way, no one will pay for the research. Far more disturbing to me is what Monsanto is doing. They are releasing things like genetically engineered potatoes into the world. They have a naturally-occuring gene from a different potato strain that makes them resistant to bugs inserted. By their own admission, even if all farmers follow their advice to the letter, after 30 years, the bugs will adapt and their genetically engineered crops won't work any more. So basically, they are ruining something that worked and was free -- and making millions off it.