[ExI] Gene Patents: Good or Bad?

[AlgaeNymph]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science_and_environment/10150685.stm

"I hope very much these patents won't be accepted because they would 
bring genetic engineering under the control of the J Craig Venter 
Institute (JCVI). They would have a monopoly on a whole range of 
techniques." -- Professor John Sulston

I'd have a quote from the other side but...there wasn't any.  It did 
mention the main argument, "that it's important to have strong 
intellectual property and that it's essential for promoting innovation."

So, gene patents: help or hindrance?  Furthermore, how will they affect 
DIY Bio and academic research?