Marine genetic sequence patents (BASF) and BBNJ
- The record does not name which of my species, waters, soils or forests were harmed.
A 2018 analysis reported by AAAS counted 12,998 patented genetic sequences from 862 marine species, 47% of them held by one company, BASF. The High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) was reported to have entered into force in January 2026.
Figure reported by AAAS from Blasiak et al. (2018); not independently verified in this record.
Status As of 2026 reporting: BBNJ reported in force since 17 January 2026 (not independently verified); no benefit-sharing payments on record.
What happened
AAAS reported in June 2018, citing a study by Blasiak and colleagues, that 12,998 genetic sequences from 862 marine species were covered by patents. According to that report, 47% of these sequences were held by BASF, 98% of the patents were filed in 10 countries, and 165 countries held none. These figures are reported, not independently verified in this record.
A 2013 count, whose source is not identified in the material reviewed, found that patent documents concentrated on about 4% of described species.
The BBNJ Agreement on the high seas has been presented under the heading of the ocean as the common heritage of humanity. A reports of IISD SDG Knowledge Hub reported that it entered into force on 17 January 2026 with 83 parties; this has not been independently verified.
The sources reviewed contain no statement from BASF about these patents and no record of payments to coastal or island states.
- 2013A count reports patent documents concentrated on about 4% of described species (source not identified)
- 2018AAAS reports Blasiak et al.: 12,998 patented sequences from 862 marine species; 47% held by BASF
- 2026BBNJ Agreement reported to enter into force on 17 January (not independently verified)
How it looked
Shown
- The ocean as the "common heritage of humanity" under the BBNJ Agreement (2026)BBNJ framing as cited in the material reviewed
Recorded
- 12,998 patented marine genetic sequences from 862 species; 47% held by BASF; 98% of patents in 10 countries; 165 countries with none (reported by AAAS, 2018).
- Patent documents concentrated on about 4% of described species (2013 count; source not identified).
In court and with insurers
Lawsuits and rulings
Insurers
What nature saw
Nature's report opens this page. Below: further outcomes measured on the ground.
What we don't know
Nature
- Not measured Harm to nature: The record holds no measurement of harm to nature.
Figures
- Insufficient Sequences patented: Patented marine genetic sequences from 862 species (AAAS, citing Blasiak et al.).
- Insufficient Species with patented sequences: Marine species behind the patented sequences (same report).
- Insufficient Basf share: Share of the patented sequences held by BASF (same report).
- Insufficient Patents in ten countries: Share of patents filed in 10 countries (same report).
- Insufficient Countries without patents: Countries with no such patents (same report).
- Insufficient Bbnj parties: Parties at entry into force on 17 January 2026 of IISD SDG Knowledge Hub.
Record
- Insufficient Reported but not independently verified: 12,998 sequences from 862 marine species patented, 47% held by BASF, 98% of patents in 10 countries, 165 countries with none (AAAS, June 2018, citing Blasiak et al.).
- Insufficient Reported but not independently verified: the BBNJ Agreement entered into force on 17 January 2026 with 83 parties.
- None on record No payment from marine sequence patents to coastal or island states is on record in the sources reviewed.
- None on record BASF's own statement on these patents is not on record in the sources reviewed.
Did the harm stop?
Not applicable: the sources reviewed do not record any measure to limit the patenting or any effect on marine ecosystems.
Who paid?
The sources reviewed record no payments and identify no payer.
Sources
Press and investigations
- One corporation holds most oceans genetic patentsAAAS · 2018-06
- BBNJ Agreement Enters into ForceIISD SDG Knowledge Hub · 2026-01-17
Connected cases
- Alliance to End Plastic Waste and Renew Oceans (Ganges) India · 2019–2026
- BASF (Company) — here: Holder of 47% of counted patented marine sequences (reported); there: Founding member
- Bayer buys Monsanto for $66bn; four firms hold most seed and pesticide sales Global · 2018
- BASF (Company) — here: Holder of 47% of counted patented marine sequences (reported); there: Bought businesses sold to win approval
- Dicamba drift (Bader Farms) and EPA re-registration United States · 2015–2026
- BASF (Company) — here: Holder of 47% of counted patented marine sequences (reported); there: Dicamba seller; co-defendant in the Bader case
- EU banned-pesticide exports European Union · 2018–2026
- BASF (Company) — here: Holder of 47% of counted patented marine sequences (reported); there: Largest exporter (over 33,000 t in 2024)
- Halmahera nickel complex (IWIP, Weda Bay) and the Hongana Manyawa Indonesia · 2018–2026
- BASF (Company) — here: Holder of 47% of counted patented marine sequences (reported); there: Withdrew from a project with Eramet in 2024
- Indian indigo area and exports fell sharply, 1895 to 1956 India · 1895–1956
- BASF (Company) — here: Holder of 47% of counted patented marine sequences (reported); there: Named as an early seller of synthetic indigo (reported, not verified)
- Jury awards $250 million punitive damages over dicamba drift, later overturned United States · 2020–2022
- BASF (Company) — here: Holder of 47% of counted patented marine sequences (reported); there: defendant
- Major agrochemical firms buy biological input makers and sell organic-approved lines Multiple countries · 2012–2023
- BASF (Company) — here: Holder of 47% of counted patented marine sequences (reported); there: Ranked third in 2023 biologicals sales
- The four biggest agrochemical firms each bought a biologicals company, 2012 to 2026 Global · 2012–2026
- BASF (Company) — here: Holder of 47% of counted patented marine sequences (reported); there: bought AgBiTech