Standard-Essential Patents And Agriculture
Smart agriculture is transforming how farmers manage crops, livestock, and supply chains. With the growing use of connected devices like GPS-guided tractors, autonomous drones, and real-time soil monitors, interoperability is becoming key. These technologies often rely on industry standards for communication and functionality. As a result, we’re seeing more patent holders assert claims over what they consider standard-essential patents (SEPs). That raises important legal notions for companies developing or using agtech. If you’re involved in the agricultural tech space, having guidance from an experienced SEP lawyer is crucial.
What Are SEPs?
Standard-essential patents are patents that cover technologies required to comply with a technical standard. These patents must typically be licensed under fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms. But what happens when standard technology used in a smart irrigation system triggers a SEP dispute? Or when a new ag sensor manufacturer receives a licensing demand based on cellular communication protocols embedded in its product?
Agricultural technology companies may not always anticipate these legal challenges. Unlike smartphone makers or network providers, many in the agtech space are new to the world of standards and patent pools. They may feel safe with trade secret information, but as smart farming tools become more data-driven and interconnected, the risk of SEP litigation increases. Farmers, suppliers, and manufacturers could find themselves caught in legal disputes over technology they thought was off-the-shelf. This is why it is important to seek legal counsel from the start to ensure that you are protecting your ideas.
One growing concern is that some SEP holders are expanding their intellectual property enforcement efforts to industries not traditionally targeted like agriculture. Tools that rely on 5G, Wi-Fi, or IoT standards could be subject to royalty claims from patent owners. These claims are not always reasonable or transparent. In some cases, companies are pressured into accepting high royalty rates or face the risk of litigation. Smaller companies may not have the resources to push back, and larger ones may find themselves dragged into drawn-out legal battles. Both may find themselves in uncertain situations due to this being new territory for the ag industry.
We’ve also seen a shift in how standard-setting organizations define and manage essentiality. Some require self-reporting by patent holders, while others apply a stricter review. This inconsistency makes it difficult for agtech companies to assess risk. If you’re building or deploying equipment that uses wireless standards, there’s a chance you’re already relying on patented technologies and you may not know it.
At COFFYLAW, we’re helping clients understand where those risks lie and how to respond when SEP issues arise. We’ve advised businesses on licensing negotiations, SEP disclosures, and defense strategies. Our clients value that we don’t just provide legal theory, we focus on practical steps to protect their products and business relationships. With a 10.0 rating on Justia and an A+ BBB Rating, we bring both credibility and consistency to every matter we handle.
The intersection of standard-essential patents and agriculture is a growing concern. Whether you’re launching a smart tractor platform or importing sensor-enabled irrigation systems, it’s important to evaluate your exposure and know your rights. SEP-related challenges are no longer confined to the tech industry. They’re making their way into fields and farms across the country.
If you have questions about your products or want to prepare for possible SEP disputes, reach out to our team at COFFYLAW. Let’s talk about how we can help protect your work and move your business forward. Our team stays up-to-date on emerging trends and industries, so contact us for help today.