Ciba Seeds, Monsanto, Mycogen regulatory update

Monsanto received U.S. Patent No. 5,500,365 covering a composition of matter for a class of synthetic genes that encode Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins that protect plants against insects. The genes produce enhanced levels of Bt proteins for insect protection.

Monsanto subsequently filed suit in the U.S. District Court in Delaware, alleging that the patent is infringed by Bt corn products marketed by MYCO and Ciba-Geigy's Ciba Seeds division. MYCO and Ciba Seeds are marketing transgenic seed corn with Bt-based resistance to European corn borer, and many other seed products with Bt-based resistance to a variety of pests. ...