AGCO Prevails in Patent Dispute Over Momentum Planters

Apr 23, 2025

AGCO (NYSE: AGCO), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, is pleased with the recent decision by the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) to uphold one of the company’s patents for Momentum® planters. The ruling denied Brazilian manufacturer Stara's petition for an Inter Partes Review (IPR), which reinforces the strength of AGCO’s patents throughout the world.

AGCO’s Farmer-First focus drives our teams to create products that meet the needs of farmers around the world,” said Kelvin Bennett, AGCO Senior Vice President, Engineering. “This ruling validates the integrity of AGCO’s intellectual property rights so we can continue providing farmers with agriculture’s most innovative and effective solutions.”

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.