A Beginner’s Guide To Plant Variety Rights

This talk offers a complete overview of the systems for plant protection, including Plant Variety Rights, Plant Patent and Trademark. In addition, topics such as selection of a new variety, marketing, trialling and licensing are all covered, as well as the benefits of working with a breeders’ agent. Handouts with simple notes and a list of useful contacts are provided.

This talk is comprehensive and entertaining, and is intended to provide an introduction to the complex world of protecting and marketing new plants for amateur and professional plant breeders, as well as highlighting the responsibilities of nurserymen and gardeners growing plants that are protected by variety rights. It is presented in such a way as to reduce the intimidation that many people feel when confronted by the world of plant variety rights, and doesn’t shy away from a little controversy!

This talk can be tailored for both professional and non-professional audiences. It is constantly updated to reflect changes in regulation and practice, including the changes that result from Brexit.