In 1996, when Monsanto hired five full-time inspectors to hunt down seed pirates, farmers and seed distributors lined up to turn in their competitors and former customers.

Farmers who do use its patented products find themselves labeled "seed pirates" if they replant them.

Monsanto has been the most aggressive in thwarting seed pirates. The company prefers not to prosecute, and tries to negotiate cash settlements and legal fees that can run upwards of $500 an acre.