Basel, Switzerland
May 10, 2006
A Federal District Court judge
ruled today in favor of
Syngenta Seeds, Inc., granting summary judgment with
respect to the patents asserted by Monsanto against
Syngenta’s use and sale of GA21 corn. In her decision, the
judge held that the asserted claims of the Shah patent are
invalid and that the asserted claims of the Lundquist patent
are not infringed.
“We are extremely pleased with
this decision that confirms our right to sell GA21
products,” said Mike Mack, COO of Syngenta Seeds. “This
decision is good news as it promotes competition and thus
more choice for growers.”
Syngenta
is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable
agriculture through innovative research and technology. The
company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in
the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2005 were
approximately $8.1 billion. Syngenta employs some 19,000
people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the
Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT). Further
information is available at
www.syngenta.com.
Related
release: Monsanto plans to appeal
district court summary judgment ruling on patent case
related to glyphosate-tolerant corn technology
