The Delhi High Court, on March 11th, ruled that Monsantoโs patents on two genetically modified (GM) seed varieties of cotton – Bollgard and Bollgard II – could not be enforced, thereby concluding a three-year legal feud betweenย Monsantoย and its Indian licensee, Nuziveedu Seeds, over unpaid royalties. The ruling effectively terminates the American biotechnology giantโs intellectual property rights toย Bt cotton technology in India.
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With the latest ruling, Monsantoโs claims against Nuziveedu for unpaid royalties have been waived because its patents are invalid. It will now have to settle for the rates decided by the government.
This is a significant blow for Monsanto, the worldโs largest seed producer, as it currently licenses its seeds to nearly 50 domestic companies through its local joint venture with Mahyco Seeds Ltd. It could, in all probability, lead to the companyโs complete exit from India.
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High-yielding varieties have helped India become one of the worldโs largest producers and exporters of cotton. If patent and pricing rights arenโt adequately protected, a host of companies will be discouraged from selling and investing in the research and development of genetically modified seeds in India.
Read full, original post:ย Without its GM cotton patents, Monsanto may stop doing business in India
