Brussels, 04/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - Following an investigation, an appeals court at the European Patents Office (EPO) decided on Monday 3 May to temporarily revoke the patent granted in February 2005 to US company XY for the freezing (cryoconservation) of selected sperm using a sample of sperm selected for in vitro fertilisation of animals, explains the EPO in a press release. In November 2005, the patent was challenged by Greenpeace, Monsanto (which later withdrew its complaint) and Greens/EFA MEP Hiltrud Breyer. The Greens/EFA party at the European Parliament has welcomed the temporary revocation of the patent. (SP/transl.fl)