By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Justice has stepped into a legal dispute between Corteva Agriscience LLC and Inari Agriculture Inc. by filing a statement of interest in federal court. The case is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.
In its statement, the DOJ stressed that access to patented biological materials, especially seeds, is important for continued innovation in agriculture. The department highlighted that farmers depend on high-quality seeds, and maintaining fair access is essential to building a reliable food supply.
"The need for an affordable and secure food supply chain is vital for every American, and that begins with the seeds on which American farmers rely," said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Dina Kallay of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division. "Ensuring that the path to innovation is accessible for businesses, both big and small, is essential for enabling robust competition in the seeds industry and benefits consumers."
The DOJ explained that patent laws are designed to balance rewards and responsibility. While companies receive exclusive rights for their inventions, they must also share details of their work. This public disclosure allows other researchers and companies to understand technology and create improvements.
The department raised concerns about the structure of the U.S. seed industry, which has a small number of major players and high barriers for entry. For smaller companies to succeed, they need reasonable access to patented seeds for research and development.
To address competition issues, the Antitrust Division has set up a Food Supply Chain Security Task Force. This group investigates actions such as price fixing and unfair market practices that may affect the agriculture sector.
Although the DOJ did not take sides in the case, its statement highlights the importance of keeping innovation pathways open. Ensuring access to patented seeds will help create a healthier, more competitive agricultural system and support long-term food security.
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Categories: National