Roelofarendsveen, The Netherlands
December 8, 2014

During the annual UPOV week in October a presentation was given by ISF, CIOPORA and Croplife on the introduction of a Plant Breeders’ Rights system on global scale. Such a system would have major advantages for applicants. With one application, one DUS test and one decision Plant Breeders’ Rights could be granted in any of the participating (presently potentially 72) UPOV member states.The principles of such “international System of Cooperation” are used in Patents where it functions well.

The presentation was received positively by the delegates of the UPOV member states and the UPOV Office will prepare a document on the proposal for the next meeting in spring 2015.

The presenting organizations envisaged many items to be discussed before such a system could be launched. In particular the question if Plant Breeders’ Rights would not be undermined if the quality of the DUS test could not be maintained at a high level. Probably quality criteria will have to be introduced and controlled.  It could also mean the construction of a central administrative unit.  Other questions that have to be answered are on Novelty in the territory of such system, the possible effect of important climatic differences between Examination Offices on different continents, differences between participating systems, the costs of such a system, co-existence with existing National and regional systems, the effect on Examination Offices, how to safeguard sufficient knowledge on local level, etc.  etc.  Not an option that will be introduced on short notice, but an initiative that is worthwhile to be discussed seriously in the coming years.

Website: http://www.worldseed.org

Published: December 8, 2014