Seed Piracy – Intellectual Property
Saving, reselling, and/or replanting patented seed is illegal and cannot be done without the patent owner’s permission. Additional details can be found on the seed bags and tags. These guidelines are in place to help preserve investment and seed trait value for all growers. They also ensure that research and development efforts will continue to bring new innovations to the marketplace. After all, don’t we all want a level playing field?
Recently, our industry experienced the first of its kind. The 1st Generation of Roundup Ready Soybeans is off-patent. With that came many questions across the industry, even globally.
It is important to realize that only the 1st Generation Roundup Ready beans are off-patent. Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield® Soybeans are under a separate and different patent for many years to come. Below are some links to helpful documents related to this first-of-its-kind event.
STEP recommends the following links that will help educate and answer questions about this often misunderstood area of Agriculture and the world today of patented seeds and traits:
- Monsanto Company Information: Monsanto Seed Patent Information
- The first of its kind! Roundup Ready “1” patent expiry.
- Considering planting an approved saved RR1 soybean seed variety? It may not be your best option when it comes to profitability. Check out this Saved Seed Calculator to help you through that consideration.
- Contact S-T-E-P with any questions!