The Edinburgh case can be viewed as one of the most controversial and significant issue under discussion at the European Patent Office. According to the decision made by the Opposition Division, researches relating to human embryonic stem cells pertaining to the use of human embryos for industrial or commercial purposes as stipulated in Rule 23d(c) EPC and should not be made patentable. Although the appeal filed by the patentee is still pending, how ever, the decision proposed by the Opposition Division does officially represent the current standpoint taken by the European Patent Office in this matter at this stage. Accordingly, the significance of stem cells in the present day scientific research field, the proceedings of the Edinburgh case and the ratiocination given by the Opposition Division, and all other major factors affecting the appeal will be discussed hereinafter.