US seed maker Monsanto could be set to pull out of India, after a court ruling that its patents on two genetically modified varieties of cotton were unenforceable there. The High Court in Delhi found, under Indian law, the cotton gene can be patented but plants and seeds produced from it cannot. If patent and pricing rights aren’t adequately protected, a host of companies will be discouraged from selling and investing in the research and development of genetically modified seeds in India. In an unprecedented move, Monsanto, which has been accused by environmentalists of using GMOs for commercial gain, said it would appeal against the ruling. The court's verdict means there is now no legal basis for the claim.
US seed maker Monsanto could be set to pull out of India, after a court ruling that its patents on two genetically modified varieties of cotton were unenforceable there. The High Court in Delhi found, under Indian law, the cotton gene can be patented but plants and seeds produced from it cannot. In an unprecedented move, Monsanto, which has been accused by environmentalists of using GMOs for commercial gain, said it would appeal against the ruling. The court's verdict means there is now no legal basis for the claim.