California Berry Cultivars, LLC (CBC), a leading independent plant breeding company specializing in premium strawberry genetics, recently announced a significant legal victory in a lawsuit filed against them by Driscoll’s, Inc. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of California granted CBC’s motion for summary judgment, effectively dismissing all claims brought by Driscoll’s and ruling in favor of CBC.
The lawsuit, initiated by Driscoll in 2019, alleged that CBC had infringed on Driscoll’s patents for four of its strawberry varieties and had interfered with Driscoll’s contracts with nurseries and breeders as part of CBC’s breeding program. However, the District Court’s decision to grant summary judgment in favor of CBC has resolved all of Driscoll’s claims against the company.
In a press release addressing the legal victory, CBC highlighted the strategic nature of Driscoll’s litigation, suggesting that it was intended to stifle competition by burdening CBC with legal challenges. The successful outcome of the case underscores CBC’s commitment to advancing strawberry breeding and validates the company’s assertion that its breeding efforts have been conducted lawfully and ethically.
AG Kawamura, President of CBC and former California Secretary of Agriculture, expressed pride in the integrity of CBC’s breeding program and its dedication to independent innovation within the strawberry industry. Kawamura emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to providing growers and consumers with high-performing, flavorful strawberry varieties.
The legal victory comes at a time when CBC’s strawberry varieties are experiencing rapid adoption within the industry. Notable recent successes include Castaic, a short-day variety that has demonstrated impressive yields of over 8,000 trays per acre in trials, and Alhambra, a summer-plant variety known for its balance of commercial yield and exceptional flavor. These new varieties complement CBC’s existing lineup, which includes Adelanto, an early short-day variety with exceptional early yields; Belvedere, prized for its high brix content, aromatic flavor, and disease resistance; and Alturas, a day-neutral variety with resistance to fusarium and a delicious taste.
As CBC celebrates this legal victory and continues to expand its portfolio of successful strawberry varieties, the company remains focused on delivering innovation and quality to the agricultural industry. This triumph in the legal arena serves as a testament to CBC’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to advancing strawberry breeding practices.
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