GMW:_Result_just_in_on_Percy_Schmeiser_decision

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GMW:_Result_just_in_on_Percy_Schmeiser_decision

" GM_Watch "

Fri, 21 May 2004 15:30:12 +0100

 

GM WATCH daily

http://www.gmwatch.org

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Saskatchewan farmers Percy and Louise Schmeiser fought Monsanto all the way to

the Canadian Supreme Court when the Gene Giant accused them of violating

Monsanto's patent on genetically modified canola (oilseed rape). If you think

your property may have GM canola lurking somewhere (or GM maize or soy or

cotton), tell Monsanto where to go! Take action! click here to send a letter to

Monsanto warning them that their GM seeds may be trespassing on your land.

 

TELL MONSANTO WHERE TO GO

http://www.etcgroup.org/takeaction.asp

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Result just in on Percy Schmeiser decision.. as I understand it .. it is a split

 

The court has upheld the patent and Monsnato's right to have a patent on a plant

 

The court has not upheld that Percy should pay damages because he did not make

use of the plant - ie he didn't use the presence of the GM plant on his fields

to his own profit (didn't spray roundup etc)

 

Both parties have to pay their own court costs..

 

We are about to get a more detailed legal interpretation but prima facie this is

a personal victory for Percy (who no longer has to pay

Monsanto damages) but a bad precedent for justice in that it upholds the

patentability of crops and seems to uphold the fact that Monsanto can claim

ownership and rewards even over unintentional pollution.

 

Will send a more detailed news update soon

 

In the meantime please so check out online action being taken by hundreds of

people contacting Monsanto - see http://www.etcgroup.org/takeaction.asp

 

best

 

Jim Thomas - ETC Group

 

ph: 01865 201719

mob: 07752 106806

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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