Monsanto Vs Nuziveedu Seeds: The BT Cotton Judgment

Monsanto Company is an agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation acquired by Bayer Corporation that conducts research on genetically modified seeds and agricultural crops. Monsanto was one of the first companies to venture into agro-biotech and modify plants and seeds at a genetic level. It focuses on biotechnological advancement of key agricultural crops such as wheat, corn, soybeans and cotton. Monsanto owns a large number of patents related to plant biotechnology and genetically modifies food (GMO's).

Mahyco Monsanto Biotech Pvt Ltd (India), the Indian joint venture of Monsanto has been licensing its BT products to various seed companies in India. Monsanto entered into a licensing agreement with Nuziveedu Seeds and its subsidiaries Prabhat Agri Biotech and Pravardhan Seeds on 21/2/2004. Monsanto licensed its patent IN214436 relating to BT cotton for an initial period of 10 years. A recurring trait-value compensation along with lifetime fee of Rs. 50