WILMINGTON, Del., June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- DuPont today filed a lawsuit claiming BASF is infringing four patents relating to biotechnology traits similar to those used in DuPont's proprietary Optimum(R) GAT(R) trait. The patents listed in the lawsuit confer tolerance to an herbicide class with excellent environmental characteristics known as ALS inhibitors and pertain to certain methods for controlling weeds. The lawsuit was filed today in U.S. Federal Court in the District of Delaware.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060620/NYTU080LOGO-b)

Through the lawsuit, DuPont is requesting BASF acknowledge the validity of DuPont's patents related to the ALS tolerance trait and provide the company reasonable compensation for their use. DuPont is also asking the court to declare BASF patents on a trait promoter invalid and rule that DuPont does not infringe those patents when it uses its own proprietary trait in ALS tolerant crops.

"As a market-driven science company, DuPont takes appropriate actions to protect our proprietary information for the benefit of our shareholders and customers," said DuPont group vice president James C. Borel. "We respect valid intellectual property claims of others and expect them to do the same. At the same time, we have a responsibility to challenge patents that have no validity. It was only after efforts to seek clarity from BASF failed that we decided to take today's action."

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont(TM), The miracles of science(TM) and Optimum(R) GAT(R) are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.

Photo:

PRN Photo Desk,

Source: DuPont

CONTACT: Dan Turner of DuPont, +1-302-774-0081,