Relief to Monsanto as SC sets aside order related to BT cotton seeds patent dispute

The Supreme Court Tuesday set aside an order of the division bench of the Delhi High Court which had invalidated the patent right of US-based agro major Monsanto Technology over BT cotton seeds for its Bollgard technology. The apex court restored the order of the single judge bench of the high court which was not seized of the issue of the patent but had dealt with the issue of trademark infringement claimed by Monsanto over the BT cotton seeds by Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd.

Deciding the appeal of Monsanto, a bench of Justices R F Nariman and Navin Sinha said: "The order of the division bench (of Delhi High Court) is set aside. The order of the single judge dated March 28, 2017, is restored and the suit is remanded to the single judge for disposal in accordance with law. "In view of the importance of the question involved, we expect the parties to cooperate and facilitate the single judge in early disposal of the suit." Monsanto had sought a permanent injunction against the Nuziveedu Seeds and other farmers organisation from using the trademark 'BOLGARD' and 'BOLGARD II' brand cotton technology.

(With inputs from agencies.)