Margo A. Bagley

'Grant Me Justice Against My Adversary': What Parables Can Teach Us About Organic Seed Growers & Trade Assoc. v. Monsanto Co.

This chapter, written as a contribution to a volume directed to issues in the protection of identity and diversity in relation to intellectual property law, views aspects of biological diversity and plant patent litigation through a Biblical parable lens. Two of Christ’s parables share striking parallels with the recent Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association v. Monsanto Co. declaratory judgment action involving biotech patents and civil society plaintiffs. Both the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares and the Parable of the Persistent Widow yield what I believe are interesting and helpful insights regarding the nature of the Organic Seed Grower plaintiffs’ concerns, the judgment in the case, and resulting ramifications for society at large.