Originally granted in 2013 to agrochemical company Monsanto (which has since been acquired by Bayer), the patent covers broccoli plants that have an “exerted head”, making them easier to harvest. The European Patent Office (EPO) has revoked a Bayer-owned patent relating to a type of broccoli with an “exerted head” that makes them easier to harvest. The patent was originally granted to Monsanto in 2013. An opposition was filed in 2014 by a coalition of organisations, including No Patents on Seeds. A new study published today shows how the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is using genetic engineering (GE) crops and technologies to increase crop yields while reducing pesticide use. No Patents on Seeds, said the ruling was the first time that a patent was revoked because of the new regulations.
The European Patent Office (EPO) has revoked a Bayer-owned patent relating to a type of broccoli with an “exerted head” that makes them easier to harvest. The patent was originally granted to Monsanto in 2013. An opposition was filed in 2014 by a coalition of organisations, including No Patents on Seeds. A new study published today shows how the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is using genetic engineering (GE) crops and technologies to increase crop yields while reducing pesticide use. No Patents on Seeds, said the ruling was the first time that a patent was revoked because of the new regulations.