Supreme Court of the United States
J. E. M. Ag Supply, Inc., Dba Farm Advantage, Inc. v. Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
December 10, 2001534 U.S. 124
Summary
The Supreme Court held that utility patents may be issued for plants under 35 U.S.C. § 101, rejecting the argument that the Plant Patent Act and Plant Variety Protection Act provide the exclusive means of plant protection. The Court found no irreconcilable conflict between the statutes. Justice Breyer dissented, arguing Congress intended the specific plant statutes to exclude utility patent coverage.