(1) No patents are granted for inventions the commercial exploitation of which would be contrary to ʻordre publicʼ or morality; such exploitation is not deemed to be so contrary merely because it is prohibited by law or regulation.
(2) Patents are, in particular, not granted for
1. processes for cloning human beings;
2. processes for modifying the germ line genetic identity of human beings;
3. uses of human embryos for industrial or commercial purposes;
4. processes for modifying the genetic identity of animals which are likely to cause them suffering without any substantial medical benefit to man or animal, and animals resulting from such processes.
The relevant provisions of the Embryo Protection Act (Embryonenschutzgesetz) govern the application of nos. 1 to 3.