The Patent Baron PLLC, a Michigan-based intellectual property law firm, is advising clients to take immediate protective measures regarding their genetic data following 23andMe's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and a substantial data breach impacting nearly seven million Americans. The genetic testing company's bankruptcy, announced on March 23, 2025, has raised serious concerns about the security and future handling of highly sensitive consumer genetic information. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has publicly recommended that users consider deleting their accounts and requesting the destruction of any stored data and physical DNA samples.
The firm warns that compromised genetic information extends far beyond basic health data, potentially exposing intricate details about family lineage, inheritance patterns, and even intellectual property-related discoveries in fields like biotechnology and diagnostics. This broad exposure elevates the risk from a personal privacy concern to a potential commercial and legal liability. For more information on data breach responses, individuals can refer to resources from the Michigan Attorney General's office.
The Patent Baron recommends clients take three critical and definitive actions: completely delete their 23andMe account data, ensure the destruction of any stored physical DNA samples, and formally revoke any previous consent given for research purposes. These steps are designed to minimize the potential for future misuse or unauthorized monetization of personal genetic information in a post-bankruptcy landscape where data asset control is uncertain.
For inventors, scientists, and entrepreneurs operating in biotech, pharmaceuticals, and other health-related sectors, the data privacy risks highlighted by this incident are particularly acute. Genetic data can reveal research directions, predispositions, or biological insights that form the basis of patentable inventions. The potential for this sensitive information to become an intellectual property liability, if accessed by competitors or other parties, underscores the critical importance of proactive and stringent personal data management. The firm emphasizes that in this context, personal data protection transcends traditional privacy concerns, becoming a fundamental component of safeguarding both existing intellectual property and future innovations potentially derived from one's unique genetic information.
