Novelty Protection Webinar and SPG Meeting

A free-to-attend virtual Novelty Protection webinar with guest presenters from UPOV and CIOPORA.

The first presentation is by Marien Valstar on Developments and Challenges within UPOV. 30 minutes, including Q&A 5 – 10 minutes.

Farmers and growers all over the world need good varieties. The UPOV system is designed to promote the development of new plant varieties. Modern challenges that are important for plant breeding are climate change and the need to adapt agriculture and horticulture, the ongoing discussion on loss of biodiversity and ecosystems, and the upcoming use of new genetic techniques. To get better insight and understanding of the importance of the UPOV system, Marien Valstar will give a general impression how UPOV could contribute to these challenges. Marien Valstar has been representing the Netherlands within UPOV for many years and for the last few years Marien Valstar has been functioning as president of the UPOV Council. Drawing from these experiences, Marien will try to give the AIPH members a better insight in the workings of UPOV by a presentation and a Q&A session.

The second presentation is by Dr Edgar Krieger on The obliged use of variety denomination in the industry (Article 20 UPOV/ art 17 EU regulation 2100/94). 10 -15 minutes, including Q&A.

To support effective working of the UPOV Plant Breeders Right system, Dr. Edgar Krieger will make a serious request to the ornamental sector to mention variety names in the right manner on all products. With the current trend of new variety names constantly coming into commercial production, often quickly invented for marketing purposes, the impression often prevails that variety names can be used arbitrarily or not used at all. Dr Edgar Krieger will clarify and argue for the importance of correct and consistent use of variety names.

An  update for SPG members will follow this webinar.

As the world’s champion for the power of plants, one of AIPH’s missions is to protect and promote the interests of the ornamental horticulture industry. Through our Novelty Protection Group, we host a Sparring Partner Group (SPG). Members are constantly informed about the latest developments, the juridical consequences, and possible solutions. Thanks to these exchanges, discussions, and better understanding and awareness of the importance of Plant Breeder Rights and the other fields of intellectual property rights, we can support a good working PBR system at both the national and international levels and contribute to future solutions and new balances.