Statement highlights importance of open access to patented seeds
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a statement of interest in an ongoing legal case involving Corteva Agriscience LLC and Inari Agriculture Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. The statement highlights the importance of public access to patented biological materials in the agriculture sector.
According to the DOJ’s Antitrust Division, access to patented seeds is necessary to promote innovation and fair competition.
"The need for an affordable and secure food supply chain is vital for every American, and that begins with the seeds on which American farmers rely," said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Dina Kallay of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division. "Ensuring that the path to innovation is accessible for businesses, both big and small, is essential for enabling robust competition in the seeds industry and benefits consumers."
The statement outlines how intellectual property and antitrust laws work together to encourage innovation. Patent laws give inventors exclusive rights for a limited time. In return, inventors must publicly share details of their inventions. This system ensures that others can learn, improve, and build on existing technologies.
The DOJ also pointed out that the U.S. seed industry is highly concentrated, with a few dominant companies and significant barriers for new businesses. Because of this, fair access to patented seeds has become even more important. It allows smaller businesses and new entrants to compete and contribute to agricultural improvements.
To support fair practices, the Antitrust Division has created a Food Supply Chain Security Task Force. This group investigates anti-competitive behavior in food-related industries. The effort follows a federal initiative aimed at addressing risks from price fixing and harmful market practices.
While the DOJ has not taken a position on the outcome of the case, its statement reinforces the need for balanced patent protections. Ensuring access to innovation will help strengthen competition, support farmers, and build a more secure food supply system.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-studio2013