The idea that genetically engineered microbes and eukaryotic cells might be copyrighted has only recently begun to be discussed and has yet to be tested in the courts. Dr Kayton argues that US copyright laws appear to offer effective and desirable means of protecting the commercial value of the genetic engineers' endeavours. This article is adapted from the George Washington Law Review (1982) 50, 191–218, which presents more detailed information on the legal and constitutional issues.