The AgTech patent boom is not a passing trend. As agriculture becomes more data-driven, automated, and sustainability-focused, universities will remain primary sources of early-stage innovation. Technology transfer offices that understand how AgTech companies assess risk, value, and deployment will be best positioned to translate their innovation into real-world impact.

The lawsuits filed by Bayer CropScience against Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson. Although the cases are in early stages and all players will have to see how they play out, ultimately, the very fact that these cases exist serves as a cautionary tale and a roadmap. Innovators in both the pharmaceutical and agribusiness spaces should anticipate cross-industry IP risks, invest in early licensing strategies, and draft patents with an eye toward future, unforeseen applications.