Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP (JD Supra India)

Monsanto’s Indian joint venture has come under fire anew for allegedly anti-competitive behavior. India’s Competition Commission opened investigations this week into allegations that Monsanto and its partner Mahyco abused their dominant positions as suppliers of genetically modified cotton seeds to insert unfair conditions into sub-licensing agreements with seed companies.

Earlier this week, India’s competition regulator-the Competition Commission of India (“CCI”)-raided two offices of JCB India Limited (“JCB”), a UK-based manufacturer of construction equipment. This raid marks the first time that CCI has exercised its search-and-seizure power under the Competition Act, 2002.