Wageningen, April 11, 2012

KeyGene strengthens its patent portfolio on KeyPoint Mutation Breeding

KeyGene announces today that it has completed another important step towards the realization of Sequence Based Breeding in vegetable and field crops by strengthening its strategic patent position. The companys innovative business strategy is based on the application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies to significantly improve molecular plant breeding by detection of genomic variation at the sequence level. As part of this strategy, KeyGene has substantially invested in the development of proprietary applications for NGS platforms in plants, including its KeyPoint Mutation Breeding (MB) methodology, which enables high-throughput mutation detection in M1 and M2 mutagenized and natural populations. KeyGene is pleased that its recently granted European KeyPoint patent EP 1929039 was upheld after opposition, confirming the innovative value of this patent in its strategic patent portfolio. The companys KeyPoint MB strategy accelerates breeding programs towards improved traits by creating novel variation in the key genes that contribute to that trait. Application of the strategy, that is essentially applicable in various crops, resulted in prebreeding material with allelic series in commercially important genes of tomato, pepper, canola and corn. Further application of KeyPoint MB in the seed market via products, licenses and/or collaborations, accelerates Sequence Based Breeding in crops to be adapted for the high demands of consumers and the industry. Anker P. Srensen, Vice President Vegetable Crops of KeyGene: We are excited about the recognition of this valuable patent in our growing NGS portfolio, helping us to reach our goals of accelerated molecular plant breeding in crops worldwide. Cost-efficient detection of genetic variation via KeyPoint MB is a key component to make this a reality. Robbert-Jan de Lang, patent attorney at EP&C adds: We are pleased that the EPOs Opposition Division unequivocally confirmed the novel and innovative contributions this patent makes to the state-of-the-art of molecular plant breeding. It emphasizes the front-runner position KeyGene fulfills in this dynamic field.
About EP&C EP&C is a full-service IP boutique serving her national and international clients in particular in the fields of patents, trademark and designs. In the Netherlands, EP&C is considered one of the top-3 firms. A zest for quality and a focus on the realization of entrepreneurial space for our clients is what drives the professionals of EP&C. EP&C employs about 80 people, 30 of which hold professional qualifications in the field of IP, at four locations in the Netherlands (Rijswijk, Amsterdam, Utrecht and Breda). About KeyGene KeyGene is a privately owned, innovative molecular genetics Ag Biotech company with a primary focus on the improvement of 6F (Food, Feed, Fiber, Fuel, Flowers and Fun) crops. KeyGenes passion is a Green Gene Revolution approach to explore and exploit existing and induced natural genetic variation in vegetable and other 6F crops. KeyGene delivers sustainable responses to the worlds needs for yield stability & quality of vegetable and field crops. We help our strategic partners with cutting edge breeding technologies and plant based trait platforms to meet their needs. We perform strategic and applied research with more than 135 employees from all over the world, with state of the art facilities and equipment. KeyGene has its headquarters in Wageningen, the Netherlands, a subsidiary in Rockville, USA and a Joint Lab with the Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences in Shanghai, China. For more information, please contact: Ms. Niclaudi Boons, PR & Corporate Communication KeyGene (www.keygene.com), tel. +31 317 466 866 or nbo@keygene.com or Ms. Mandy de Wolf, Business Development EP&C, +31 70 4145454 or mandy.dewolf@epc.nl

KeyPoint and KeyPoint Mutation Breeding technologies are covered by patents and patent applications owned by Keygene N.V. KeyGene and KeyPoint are registered trademarks of Keygene N.V.