PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS

Although a limited number of applications are filed each year in Canada, plant breeders’ rights (PBR) are a valuable asset. It provides protection to innovators when patent protection is not available, as higher life forms are not patentable in Canada.

ROBIC has developed an expertise in the filing of plant breeders’ rights applications in Canada. Our Life Sciences team provides support throughout the process, including filing the application, field testing in Canada or purchasing results from another Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) member country. Our team can assist you with related regulatory requirements, such as importing seeds or plants, selecting a nursery in Canada to grow the plants to be tested, and selecting a trademark.

In addition, since its legalization in 2018, cannabis has been among our areas of expertise particularly in the specific regulatory requirements to control the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis across Canada.

Our biochemists and patent agents are also experts in patent prosecution and patentability opinions on herbicides, genetically modified plants and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and the agricultural industry. For any questions, please contact Gabrielle Moisan, Plant Breeding Group Leader.