Justices skeptical of farmer who planted patented Monsanto seeds

[riderinthestorm]

30. Monsanto has gone after farmers for inadvertent contamination.

Here's one case. There are others
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsanto_Canada_Inc._v._Schmeiser

As for Monsanto going after backyard, small or large vegetable producers I presume that's only a matter of time. Beyond the horses, I commercially grow vegetables for my sister's catering biz, the local green market, and local clients so I'm nervous about this and follow it.

Furthermore, I'd stipulate that you have most likely absolutely used Monsanto products in your backyard garden. Burpee's, a large producer of patented seeds (most of their seed is patented), is actually a Monsanto company and that's just one example of a "major" plant distributor (they're Home Depot's producer IIRC). There are others.

If you don't follow the industry closely you wouldn't know who the parent companies are because, well, it doesn't have the big Monsanto name and you probably just don't know.

Agreed that the monopoly issue isn't relevant to the patent issue - that was simply my opinion tacked on. I see the two issues as closely related however. YMMV.

FWIW, I appreciate your lawyerly interest. Thanks for weighing in. I always love to learn more, especially from pros.