- Monsanto (MON) cannot own a patent over genetically modified cotton seeds in India, the Delhi High Court rules, saying certain items such as seeds, plants and animals cannot be patented under Indian laws.
- The court rejects MON’s request to stop Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd., an estranged licensee of the company, from selling Bt cotton seeds in India.
- The verdict underscores the challenges faced by multinational companies in dealing with India's patent laws at a time when the country is trying to attract foreign companies to invest in large projects, Bloomberg says.
- MON says it may challenge the order in India's Supreme Court, and the company can apply to the government for registration of the Bt cotton seeds.