This claim alleges that American Ag-Tec has wrongfully acquired germplasm belonging to Pioneer Hi-Bred and is producing parent and hybrid seed corn in the U.S. for export to Europe and Asia. Pioneer Hi-Bred seeks an injunction against Ag-Tec on continued infringement, damages for losses and reimbursement of all gains and profits derived from Pioneer germplasm.

"Pioneer is committed to aggressively protecting our germplasm everywhere in the world," said Jeanne Foster, attorney for Pioneer Hi-Bred. "Using DNA fingerprinting, we have identified lines of Pioneer germplasm which we believe may be present in the products of companies currently in joint ventures with Ag-Tec."

Over the past five years, Pioneer Hi-Bred has invested more than one billion dollars in genetic research, delivering growers higher yielding, disease and pest-resistant corn hybrids. "If companies like Pioneer, making investments in genetic improvements, allow such assets to be taken without compensation, it is our customers, stockholders and employees who will suffer," said Foster. "That's why we will pursue this case and all intellectual property cases to the fullest extent possible."