Monsanto Sues COVID-19 Vaccine Manufacturers, Alleging Copyright Infringement

Bayer and its Monsanto division are suing Pfizer, BioNTech, and Moderna, alleging their COVID-19 vaccines use patented Monsanto technology. This technology, developed in the 1980s, was used to make plants insect-resistant. Bayer claims the vaccine manufacturers incorporated this technology to enhance mRNA stability and immunity conferred by the vaccines. Bayer is not directly involved in vaccine production but seeks financial compensation for patent infringement. The company asserts that the defendants profited significantly from infringing vaccine sales worldwide. Bayer is asking for damages equivalent to a reasonable royalty for the use of its patented invention. Pfizer, BioNTech, and Moderna have collectively earned billions from their COVID-19 vaccines. BioNTech acknowledged the lawsuit and will comment further later. Moderna is aware of the litigation and intends to defend itself against the claims. Pfizer has not yet responded to inquiries. Additionally, Bayer has filed a separate lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, alleging their COVID-19 vaccine also infringed on a different Bayer patent. This Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which used DNA delivery, would not have been effective without Bayer's patented sequence and template. Johnson & Johnson's vaccine was withdrawn from the market in 2023. These lawsuits are part of ongoing legal disputes concerning COVID-19 vaccines, including previous rulings where Pfizer was found to infringe on a Moderna patent.