Biotech Updates

Monsanto Sues Pioneer Over Alleged Patent Infringement

May 8, 2009

Two of the biggest players in the ag-biotech arena are set to face each other in court. Monsanto Company has filed a patent infringement suit against DuPont and its owned subsidiary Pioneer Hi-Bred International over an alleged unlawful use of Monsanto's Roundup Ready technologies in a new Pioneer herbicide-resistant soybean line. Pioneer plans to stack the Roundup Ready trait with their Optimum GAT trait.

The companies have exchanged some harsh words. "As the saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," said Monsanto Chief Executive Officer Hugh Grant. "However, unlawfully taking technology is neither imitation nor flattery; it is unethical and wrong." DuPont group Vice President James C. Borel in a press release said that Monsanto is trying to limit the availability of competitive products. He said that the lawsuit incorrectly claims that Pioneer and DuPont may not combine their Optimum GAT trait with any soybeans already containing a Roundup Ready trait.

The press releases are available at http://www.pioneer.com/web/site/portal/menuitem.f3825e23adca22214c844c84d10093a0/ and http://monsanto.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=705