Industryweek 5982 Monsanto 1

US Supreme Court Sides with Monsanto in Patented Seed Case

Jan. 15, 2014
The company has filed more than 100 law suits in the United States against farmers it alleges planted its seeds without paying royalties.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday refused to hear an appeal seeking to prevent Monsanto (IW 1000/350) from suing farmers who inadvertently grew crops contaminated by its genetically engineered seed.

It was the second time the top U.S. court has sided with the American agro-giant in its running fight with farmers over seed patent rights, after a ruling in its favor in a May 2013 case involving an Indiana farmer.

In the latest case, the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association had asked that Monsanto agree not to sue farmers if they inadvertently grew plants containing traits of patented genetically engineered seed.

In rejecting the suit without comment, the Supreme Court let stand a federal appeals court ruling that the group's challenge was unwarranted because Monsanto had already given binding assurances it would not sue when only trace amounts of its genetically modified seed were involved.

Monsanto had argued that to grant the organic growers' request would allow farmers' to intentionally violate its patents.

The company has filed more than 100 law suits in the United States against farmers it alleges planted its seeds without paying royalties.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2014

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

Modern Edge Computing Accelerates Smart Manufacturing Initiatives for Discrete Manufacturers

Oct. 22, 2023
Discover how Edge Computing platforms are a requisite for discrete manufacturers to solve production challenges, accelerate digitalization, and establish a reliable infrastructure...

How Digital Twin Technology is Empowering Manufacturers

Sept. 27, 2023
This FAQ delves into why this technology offers business value and considerations toward implementation.

Discover How an Eye Tracking Study Improves Training Procedures

Oct. 29, 2023
Did you know that your training processes can be streamlined by visualizing and analyzing key skills within your employee base? Find out how we use eye tracking to capture advanced...

State of Sales Report

Sept. 12, 2023
Discover the latest insights driving productivity and efficiency for more than 7,700 sales leaders and professionals.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!