With the expiry of the original Canadian Roundup Ready (OR1) soybean technology patent in August 2011, a number of opportunities and obligations are ‘triggered’ which will affect users of the OR1 technology starting in 2011. These opportunities and obligations are outlined below and summarized in the table on the opposite page:
In 2011: the OR1 soybean trait patent expires in August 2011
In 2011: contract obligations to not save seed under the Technology Stewardship Agreement remain in effect
In 2011: because farmers will still be using patented technology during the life of the patent, seed may not be saved for planting in 2012
In 2012: a farmer may decide to buy certified OR1 seed from a company holding a valid licence for OR1 soybeans, without any contractual obligations or royalty payment to Monsanto
In 2012: a farmer may decide to save seed from the 2012 harvest for replanting in 2013, as long as the seed company from which they purchased the seed, for 2012 planting, does not have any contractual obligations preventing them from doing so
In 2013: a Canadian farmer may decide to plant OR1 soybeans saved from his own seed
Through 2021: Monsanto will continue to provide full, global regulatory support for OR1 soybean grain to allow harvested crops to be sold and processed domestically and internationally
Table: Original Roundup Ready Soybean Patent Expiry Milestones
