Latham Quality Sues Bayer Over 92% U.S. Herbicide-Tolerant Corn Seed Market
Updated
Updated · Jefferson City News Tribune · May 30
Latham Quality Sues Bayer Over 92% U.S. Herbicide-Tolerant Corn Seed Market
4 articles · Updated · Jefferson City News Tribune · May 30
A federal class-action suit filed by Iowa seed company Latham Quality accuses Bayer of monopolizing the U.S. genetically engineered corn seed market and seeks treble damages over losses allegedly driven by anti-competitive conduct.
The complaint centers on NK603, Bayer's Roundup-tolerant corn trait, saying nearly all U.S. GMO hybrid corn seeds use it and that Bayer blocked generic competition even after its last patent expired in 2022.
Latham alleges Bayer kept charging royalties, raised licensing fees and warned it to "stay 100 percent loyal to Bayer" after it tried to develop a competing product, then used non-public information to poach business.
Bayer said the claims lack merit and that corn seed markets are competitive, days after the Justice Department said the company removed potentially anti-competitive terms from a loyalty program for seed companies.
The lawsuit adds to pressure on Bayer as U.S. farmers face a fourth straight year of shrinking margins and as the company already battles thousands of Roundup cancer claims.
Can a family-owned company's lawsuit break a multinational's grip on the U.S. corn market?
A key corn patent expired years ago. Why are farmers not seeing cheaper generic seeds?
When does protecting an invention cross the line into an illegal monopoly after its patent expires?
Antitrust Showdown: Latham Quality’s Lawsuit Challenges Bayer’s Control of 92% of U.S. GMO Corn Seed Market
Overview
Latham Quality has filed a federal lawsuit against Bayer, accusing the company of using anti-competitive and predatory tactics to dominate the U.S. market for GMO corn seeds, especially those with the NK603 herbicide-tolerant trait. The lawsuit claims Bayer deliberately controls market prices and blocks other companies from competing, limiting choices for farmers. These actions, according to Latham Quality, violate antitrust laws designed to prevent monopolies and ensure fair competition. The case highlights concerns about Bayer’s market power and its impact on independent seed companies and the broader agricultural industry.