A plant variety right or plant breeder right as it is known in Australia is directed to a variety of plant which is new, distinct, uniform and stable. All types of plants are eligible for protection other than bacteria and algae.

The owner of the plant variety right has the exclusive right to produce for sale and sell propagating material of the variety and stop others from reproducing whole plants or reproductive material of the protected variety.

In New Zealand Plant Variety Rights are granted for a term of 20 years in the case of non-woody plants, or 23 years in the case of woody plants. In Australia the term of protection is 25 years for tree and vine varieties, and 20 years for all other varieties.

If you would like any more information regarding plant variety rights then please just let us know.