Overview
The Plant Breeders' Rights Act, 2016 protects new plant varieties in Pakistan. Applications are filed with the Plant Breeders' Rights Registry, established under the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, which works with the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department. Unlike other IP rights, this registry is not part of IPO-Pakistan.
Requirements
- The variety must be novel, distinct, uniform and stable, and carry an acceptable denomination (section 12).
- Novelty: propagating or harvested material must not have been sold or marketed with the breeder's agreement in Pakistan for more than one year before filing, or abroad for more than six years for trees and vines or four years for other plants (section 13).
- Distinctness, uniformity and stability are assessed through testing.
Source: Plant Breeders' Rights Act, 2016 (Gazette of Pakistan).
Term and maintenance
- Term from the filing date: 25 years for trees and vines, 20 years for all other plants (section 24).
- An annual fee is payable; non-payment can lead to forfeiture (section 29).
- The Act recognises farmers' rights to save, use, exchange and sell farm-saved seed, subject to conditions, and allows compulsory licensing in certain circumstances.
Our services
Eligibility assessment
Review of novelty, prior sales and denomination before filing.
Applications
Preparation and filing with the Registry and coordination of testing.
Maintenance
Annual fees, recordals and portfolio management.
Licensing and enforcement
Seed licensing agreements and action against unauthorised propagation.
Discuss your matter with us
Tell us what you need. We will confirm receipt and keep you updated at every stage.