The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on December 10, 2001 that genetically modified seed is eligible for patenting under federal law. The decision is a victory for WLF, which filed a brief in the case urging the Court to uphold such seed patenting. The Court agreed with WLF that Congress intended to permit patenting of a broad range of inventions, including living organism. The decision will provide companies with financial incentive to invest in development of new food products that have been genetically modified to enhance hardiness and pest-resistance.