Des Moines, Iowa
March 13, 2007
DuPont today announced that its subsidiary
Pioneer Hi-Bred International,
Inc. has successfully concluded its patent infringement
dispute with Genome and Agricultural Biotechnology (GAAB), LLC
over in-plant protection against one of the most destructive
pests in North American soybean fields.
The United States District Court for the Southern District of
Iowa in Des Moines issued a consent judgment holding that
Pioneer patents 5,491,081; 6,192,967; and 6,538,175 were valid
and had been infringed by GAAB. The patents are for the process
that uses molecular markers to select soybean varieties
resistant to soybean cyst nematode (SCN).
"We have invested a great deal in using molecular markers to
increase the defensive package of soybeans," said Dennis Byron,
Pioneer vice president, Crop Product Development. "We are
pleased the court upheld our right to recoup that investment and
fund future development."
Soybean cyst nematode is responsible for $870 million in annual
losses to growers in North America. To help growers combat this
pest, Pioneer has developed high-yielding SCN-resistant
varieties in its product lineup through the use of molecular
markers.
"Marker-assisted selection is a critical tool for streamlining
the development of soybean varieties that combine SCN resistance
with superior performance," said Byron. "The technology enhances
the precision and efficiency of identifying resistant varieties,
which helps us speed product development and ultimately provides
growers with more choices in combating these costly pests."
Pioneer has held intellectual property rights for its soybean
markers since 1996. In addition to soybean cyst nematode
resistance, the company holds intellectual property rights for
the marker-assisted selection process to select soybean
varieties with brown stem rot resistance and other valuable
traits.
"We recognize the value of this science and technology. We have
granted licenses to the technology and are open to working with
other researchers and institutions so it can be utilized by
others in the public and private sector," said Byron.
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont,
is the world's leading source of customized solutions for
farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors.
With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access
to advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions and
quality crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded
in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable
solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for
people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont
offers a wide range of innovative products and services for
markets including agriculture and food; building and
construction; communications; and transportation. |
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