Research Triangle Park, N.C.-Neither Vogel Seed & Fertilizer Inc. nor NuFarm Americas Inc. had any public response to a lawsuit filed by Bayer CropScience claiming infringement of Bayer’s patented use of the pesticide imidacloprid on fertilizer. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, seeks to halt NuFarm’s and Spring Valley’s joint actions to formulate and sell imidacloprid on fertilizer. Bayer contends these actions violate the Bayer-owned patent and seeks to have the court uphold its patented uses. Bayer says in the suit that it is the inventor of the mixture of imidacloprid on fertilizer, sold under the brand name Merit Plus Turf Fertilizer; and claims users have enjoyed the benefits of the patented technology for over 10 years. The company says the technology revolutionized insect control on lawns and golf courses while providing significant application convenience to users.
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