In the latest step of a two and a half year legal battle, plaintiffs in Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association (OSGATA) et al v. Monsanto asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday to hear their case challenging the patents on Monsanto’s genetically engineered seed.
The battle began in March 2011 when the farmers and seed companies brought a preemptive lawsuit against Monsanto to protect themselves from what they saw as unfair patent enforcement by Monsanto, whom they see as a “patent bully,” should the corporation’s genetically engineered seed contaminate the farmers’ crops. In other words, if these organic and conventional farmers are not using any Monsanto seed but their crops become contaminated (via wind, for example) with Monsanto seed, the farmers should not be slapped with a lawsuit by the corporation for patent infringement.
Read the full, original story here: “US Farmers Continue David Vs. Goliath Battle Against Monsanto”
Additional Resources:
- “Groups to Appeal Court Decision Over Monstanto,” Wisconsin Ag Connection
- “SCOTUS rules Indiana farmer is ‘seed thief,’ upholds Monsanto’s seed patents,” Genetic Literacy Project
- Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association et. al v. Monsanto Company Petition for Writ of Certiorari, United States Supreme Court
