Analysis of a Current Competition Investigation

Monsanto

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Contents

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………3

I The market in agricultural biotechnologies and its evolution………………………………4

A. Agricultural Biotechnologies as an oligopolistic market………………………….4 1) Presentation of the Supply side………………………………………...…………….4 2) Presentation of the Demand side………………………………………………...….4

B. Evolution of the market since the mid 90's……………………………………………….5

C. Legislation concerning Patents and its impact on the market………….…….….6 1) Historical aspect of patent protection for plants……………………………..6 2) Effects of legislation and distribution of patents among companies…………………………………………………………………………………...…7

Conclusion of part I : Monsanto's dominant position on the US market for agricultural biotechnologies………………………………………………………………………..…....8

II Competition issues………………………………………………………………………………………..…..9

Has Monsanto exercised its market power to foreclose rivals from market access ?...................................................................................................................................9 1) Effects of mergers………………………………………………………………..…….10 2) Licencing agreements…………………………………………………………….…..11

Has Monsanto's policy slowed innovation and affected prices, quality, and choice for farmers ?...........................................................................................13
Inter and intra platform competition and effects on
Innovation……………………………………………………………………….……….13
2) Effects on farmers…………………………………………………………….……….14

Tension between antitrust law and patent law, having repercussions in terms of competition……………………………………………………15

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………...……..16

Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………………………………….17

Introduction