Quote:
Originally Posted by Canuck-Hater
Its just not right that any corporation can patent and own genes.
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Why not? They've spent billions developing that gene... as it's not something that occurs naturally.
Why should someone be able to use that technology without paying for it? That's stealing.
It's no different than any other technology. Companies create a device/product, and patent it. If you want to use that device/product, you have to buy it from them. If you were to buy it once, mimick the parts/technology, and then sell it yourself, you'd get your ass sued off.
Monsanto does not and never will have a patent on conventional canola. Anyone is free to grow it, save the seed, and grow their own farm saved seed the following year(s). But if you'd like to reap all of the benefits of Monsanto's 'Roundup Ready (glyphosate tolerant) Canola', a plant that they engineered, and they spent billions in doing so, then you will have to buy it from them.
And I never understand why Monsanto always takes heat for this. What about the LTA (Liberty Trait Agreement) farmers must sign prior to seeding InVigor canola (which represents roughly 45% of the Canadian market)? It states you must buy the LibertyLink (glufosinate tolerant) canola from Bayer, for every year you decide to grow it. No different than Monsanto's technology agreement.