Protection of plant varieties: systems across countries

This study discusses some of the important aspects of laws/regulations formulated for the protection of plant varieties in Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) member states, European Community countries and India. The study also provides an insight into some of the unique features of Indian sui generis system for the protection of plant varieties. During this study, the registration of crop notified in India and in some selected UPOV member countries has been examined. Since India is not an UPOV member state, the system of plant variety protection (PVP) is independent of international scenario but aims for similar standards. The study provides useful information in order to analyse the implementation of PVP laws in UPOV member states and India. Some important features were selected for carrying out a comparative analysis. These include Intellectual Property Rights protection (patent/breeder's right), types of varieties protected, methods of testing, criteria for protection, duration of protection, exemptions (researcher/farmer's exemption), infringement and penalty and compulsory license.