Proceedings of the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Agro-Ecosystems (ICAIML-AE 2026)

International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Agro-Ecosystems (ICAIML-AE 2026)

📍Pune, India🗓️ 2-3 July 2026
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Patentability of Genetically Modified Seeds in India: Doctrinal Ambiguities and Regulatory Interface in the light of Monsanto–Nuziveedu Litigation

Authors
Padmaja Kathikar1, *, Rahul Nikam2
1Department of Law, Vishwakarma University, Pune, India
2Sharda School of Law, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
*Corresponding author. Email: Padmaja.kathikar@vupune.ac.in
Corresponding Author
Padmaja Kathikar
Available Online 9 October 2026.
DOI
10.2991/978-94-6239-791-0_33How to use a DOI?
Keywords
Patent law; innovation; genetically modified seeds; Monsanto–Nuziveedu litigation; Section 3(j) agricultural biotechnology governance
Abstract

This paper examines the legal challenges surrounding the patentability of genetically modified (GM) seeds in India, with specific reference to the Monsanto v. Nuziveedu dispute. It analyses the ambiguity under Section 3(j) of the Patents Act, 1970, which excludes plants, seeds, and biological processes from patent protection, and its interaction with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001. The study highlights key issues such as the distinction between gene constructs and plant varieties, enforceability of licensing agreements, and the impact of government price regulation. It argues that judicial inconsistency and lack of clear statutory interpretation have created uncertainty, affecting innovation, farmers’ rights, and investment in agricultural biotechnology.

Copyright
© 2026 The Author(s)
Open Access
Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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Volume Title
Proceedings of the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Agro-Ecosystems (ICAIML-AE 2026)
Series
Advances in Intelligent Systems Research
Publication Date
9 October 2026
ISBN
978-94-6239-791-0
ISSN
1951-6851
DOI
10.2991/978-94-6239-791-0_33How to use a DOI?
Copyright
© 2026 The Author(s)
Open Access
Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

Cite this article

risenwbib
TY  - CONF
AU  - Padmaja Kathikar
AU  - Rahul Nikam
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/09
TI  - Patentability of Genetically Modified Seeds in India: Doctrinal Ambiguities and Regulatory Interface in the light of Monsanto–Nuziveedu Litigation
BT  - Proceedings of the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Agro-Ecosystems (ICAIML-AE 2026)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 444
EP  - 454
SN  - 1951-6851
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6239-791-0_33
DO  - 10.2991/978-94-6239-791-0_33
ID  - Kathikar2026
ER  -