Controversial tomato patent revoked following Syngenta withdrawal

Syngenta has withdrawn a controversial European patent on a tomato plant derived from conventional breeding following massive public outcry.
 

Following Syngenta’s withdrawal, the European Patent Office (EPO) has officially revoked patent EP1515600 which claimed tomato seeds, plants and fruits as its invention.

 

The aspect the patent claimed to invent was not genetically engineered but was derived from conventional breeding.

 

The pressure group No Patents on Seeds, which is a vocal opponent to the EPO’s stance on animal and plant related patents, said some 65,000 individuals from nearly 60 countries and 32 organisations participated in the opposition.

 

Joanna Eckhardt of No Patents on Seeds said the latest revocation was a “huge success”.

 

“European citizens no longer want to let the big corporations like Bayer, BASF and Syngenta take control of our food production through patent rights,” she added, “now European politicians have to make sure no more such patents are granted in Europe.”

 

No Patents on Seeds has said that following this latest victory, it will seek to increase pressure on the EPO.

 

A public protest is planned for 27 March in front of the EPO head office building in Munich. The EPO Administrative Council is scheduled to meet on this day.

 

A further hearing will be held at the EPO on 7 March regarding another Syngenta patent covering peppers.