KWS and United Beet Seeds settle global disputes to focus on advancing sugarbeet resistance breeding

KWS and United Beet Seeds settle global disputes to focus on advancing sugarbeet resistance breeding

(IN BRIEF) KWS and United Beet Seeds have resolved all global patent and trade secret disputes concerning sugarbeet resistance traits for Cercospora and rhizomania. The settlement concludes all proceedings and enables both companies to concentrate on advancing their business priorities and continuing innovation in sugarbeet breeding. This outcome allows the two organizations to focus on delivering improved, disease-resistant sugarbeet varieties that support farmers in tackling growing agricultural challenges.

(PRESS RELEASE) EINBECK, 21-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — KWS and United Beet Seeds (UBS) have announced that they have reached a comprehensive global settlement resolving all ongoing disputes over patents and trade secrets linked to Cercospora and rhizomania resistance traits in sugarbeet. The agreement brings all legal proceedings to a close and allows both companies to redirect their resources and attention toward advancing their commercial strategies. This resolution is expected to accelerate progress in developing improved sugarbeet varieties for growers worldwide.

The settlement reflects both companies’ shared commitment to strengthening the resilience and performance of sugarbeet crops. With growing global challenges from plant diseases, pests, and environmental stress, ensuring access to high-quality, resistant seed varieties remains critical for farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole. By putting aside legal disputes, KWS and UBS can now focus on delivering innovation and value directly to their customers.

About KWS
KWS ranks among the world’s leading plant breeding companies, employing nearly 5,000 people across more than 70 countries. In the fiscal year 2023/2024, the company generated net sales of around €1.68 billion. With nearly 170 years of independent, family-owned tradition, KWS specializes in breeding, producing, and distributing seed for crops such as sugarbeet, corn, cereals, vegetables, oilseed rape, and sunflower. Through advanced breeding technologies and sustained investment, including more than €300 million dedicated to research and development in the last fiscal year, KWS continually works to improve yields and enhance resistance to diseases, pests, and abiotic stress for farmers worldwide.

Media Contact:

Gina Wied
Head of Corporate Communications, Global Marketing & Communications
press@kws.com

SOURCE: KWS

MORE ON KWS, ETC.:

no related news and press releases

EDITOR'S PICK:

Comments are closed.