(June 25, 2019. Fort Collins, CO. )
Today New West Genetics (NWG) announced that the US Patent and Trademark Office has allowed the Company’s patent claims for novel hemp varieties. This patent is the first to claim commercial hemp varieties that combine market valued traits with adaption for large-scale field production. A snapshot of those traits includes enhanced cannabinoids and terpene compositions, coupled with stable low THC content to mitigate regulatory risk.
Years of research are required to successfully demonstrate patentability of crop traits. Yet with the historic hemp prohibition in the US, active commercial breeding by crop scientists did not occur prior to 2014. As CEO Wendy Mosher explained, “We launched our research in 2014, and utilized intensive phenotyping and a very narrow selection filter over multiple generations. That foundation enabled us to file a first-of-its-kind patent application. We have closely watched this patent progress through the examination pipeline; from provisional filing to published application, and from office action to the notice of allowable claims. This milestone further cements NWG’s first-mover status and demonstrates our dedication to data-based improvements that move hemp into a viable commercial option for agriculture.”
All of NWG’s crop varieties are bred traditionally and informed by whole-genome analysis; resulting in high yielding, precision bred products that are made without transgenic (GMO) technologies. Rich Fletcher, the lead inventor on the patent and NWG’s Director of Breeding noted “More than ten generations of work and data were incorporated into this patent filing, which defines genetics that are novel and contain traits that can be used to meet demands in the high value cannabinoid market, as well as for food, beverage and feed products.”
A similar patent is undergoing prosecution in Canada, where there is an active hemp and cannabinoid market. “We are confident that this is the first of several US and international NWG patents that will issue,” said Mosher, “New West Genetics is proud to push this rapidly evolving industry forward.”
New West Genetics is a global leader in premium hemp seed genetics. New West Genetics combines traditional breeding, modern genomics, and agronomic expertise to create proprietary hemp seed bred for high-yield, sustainable, large-scale production, as well as refined for various market desired traits.
For more information visit us on the web at www.newwestgenetics.com or contact New West Genetics at info@newwestgenetics.com