Monsanto's GMO Patents in
OSGATA et al vs. Monsanto
NEW YORK - August 11, 2011 – The eighty-three family farmers, small and family owned seed businesses, and agricultural organizations challenging Monsanto's patents on genetically modified seed filed papers in federal court today defending their right to seek legal protection from the threat of being sued by Monsanto for patent infringement should they ever become contaminated by Monsanto's genetically modified seed. The Public Patent Foundation (PUBPAT) represents the plaintiffs in the suit, titled Organic Seed Growers & Trade Association (OSGATA), et al. v. Monsanto and pending in the Southern District of New York. Today's filings respond to a motion filed by Monsanto in mid-July to have the case dismissed.
“Rather than give a straight forward answer on whether they would sue our clients for patent infringement if they are ever contaminated by Monsanto's transgenic seed, Monsanto has instead chosen to try to deny our clients the right to receive legal protection from the courts,” said Dan Ravicher, PUBPAT's Executive Director. “Today's filings include sworn statements by several of the plaintiffs themselves explaining to the court how the risk of contamination by transgenic seed is real and why they cannot trust Monsanto to not use an occurrence of contamination as a basis to accuse them of patent infringement.” more
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Jim & Megan Gerritsen
Wood Prairie Farm
Bridgewater, Maine
Breaking News
Two Pertinent CBS News Videos about GMOs. Pubpat.
Maine Farmer Named One Of 25 Visionaries Who Are Changing The World. Utne Reader.
Major Utne Reader Article on Lawsuit. Utne Reader.
Update. Organic Family Farmers Defend Their Right to Protect Themselves From Monsanto Patents. (08/12/11)
Plaintiffs' Memorandum of Law In Opposition To Defendants' Motion to Dismiss For Lack of Subject-Matter Jurisdiction.(08/11/11)
Brief for Amici Curae (08/10/11)
Amended Lawsuit Against Monsanto News Release (06/01/11)
News Departments
Articles Related to Organic Community Lawsuit Against Monsanto GMO Patents.
PUBPAT Lawsuit News Release.
Copy of The Complaint as Filed in District Court.
Background Articles on Monsanto.
Background Articles on Glyphosate (Roundup)
Background Articles on Patent System.
Background Articles on Biotech Crops.
Background Articles on Organic Food & Farming
Background Articles on Farmers, Agriculture & Science
“Viewing all the circumstances in this case in the light of the purpose of the Declaratory Judgment Act shows that Plaintiffs indeed have standing and that Defendants' motion lacks merit. Monsanto could easily make this case disappear by providing Plaintiffs a simple covenant not to sue. It would take no more than a single sentence on a single piece of paper and a single stroke of the pen. Monsanto's failure to do so speaks louder than any stack of papers ever could. As such, Plaintiffs respectfully request that Monsanto's motion be denied.” - Brief of August 11, 2011: Family Farmers Assert Right for Protection From Monsanto by the Courts