Monsanto Sues COVID-19 Vaccine Manufacturers, Alleging Copyright Infringement

‘Moderna is aware of the litigation and will defend ourselves against these claims,’ a Moderna spokesman said.

A pharmacist prepares a vaccine in Los Angeles on Oct. 24, 2025. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

Bayer and its Monsanto division are suing COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, alleging they used technology Monsanto developed and patented in the 1980s in their vaccines.

Bayer said in lawsuits that Pfizer, its partner BioNTech, and Moderna wrongly used technology Monsanto developed and used to make plants resistant to insects.