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Pharmaceutical industry

Dow AgroSciences and Monsanto Resolve Long-Running IP Dispute

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A major intellectual property dispute between Dow AgroSciences and Monsanto, two of the world's leading life sciences companies, has been resolved through a cross-licensing agreement. This deal marks a significant milestone for both companies, opening up new markets for Dow AgroSciences and ending a lengthy legal battle that has spanned nearly two decades. The agreement allows for the use of genetically modified crops and brings together the expertise of both companies in developing new agricultural technologies. According to Pete Siggelko, vice president of plant genetics and biotechnology at Dow AgroSciences, the resolution is a significant cost-saver and will allow both companies to redirect resources towards innovation and growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dow AgroSciences and Monsanto have resolved their long-running intellectual property dispute through a cross-licensing agreement, allowing for the use of genetically modified crops.
  • The agreement combines the expertise of both companies in developing new agricultural technologies, including insect-resistant Herculex and Roundup herbicide.
  • The cross-licensing deal will open up new markets worldwide for Dow AgroSciences and end a legal dispute dating back to 1998.
  • The agreement was facilitated by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which ruled in favor of Monsanto on the invention of certain synthetic genes.
  • Dow AgroSciences employs 5,500 people worldwide and has sales of $3.4 billion, ranking it among the state's 10 largest firms.
  • The company is owned by Dow Chemical Co. of Midland, Michigan, and was formed in 1989 through a joint venture between Dow Chemical and Eli Lilly and Co.

Statistics:

  • Dow AgroSciences employs 5,500 people worldwide.
  • The company has sales of $3.4 billion, ranking it among the state's 10 largest firms (2006).
  • The cross-licensing deal allows for the use of genetically modified crops, combining the expertise of both Dow AgroSciences and Monsanto.
  • The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ruled in favor of Monsanto on the invention of certain synthetic genes (no specific date provided).

Sources:

  • The Indianapolis Star, "Dow AgroSciences, Monsanto Resolve Patent Dispute", January 19, 2006
  • Dow Chemical Co., company information (no specific date or page provided)
  • Eli Lilly and Co., company information (no specific date or page provided)
  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, patent office decision in favor of Monsanto (no specific date or decision number provided)

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