Brussels, Belgium
November 28, 2008
The main internationally operating
and research-based vegetable seed companies have set up a joint
Bureau to prevent and discourage infringements of plant variety
rights. The Bureau will focus on the detection of illegally
propagated plant material, its trade and distribution as well as
the unauthorized use of registered names of protected varieties.
The AIB will be located in Brussels and will support vegetable
seed companies in all European and some neighboring markets.
Respect for Intellectual Property in the vegetable seed business
forms the basis for fair competition. The Bureau’s work will
help to protect the interests of plant breeders and ensure
incentives and financing for the development of new varieties
with improved quality. The Bureau will pursue the interests of
the vegetable seed sector by raising awareness among different
stakeholders about the importance of Intellectual Property
rights. It will perform general market surveys on infringements
and illegal reproductions as well as support investigations in
specific cases. As a competence centre for vegetable seed
variety rights, it will provide information and advice to
national governments and organizations.
The AIB is now inviting candidates to apply for
the position of
Managing Director.
Vegetable seed companies invest significantly in the development
of innovative plant varieties. They benefit producers with
increased yield, better agronomic features and resistances to
pests and diseases. Additional traits such as improved
storability, color, taste and health provide further value for
traders, processors, retailers and consumers. Over the past
years, though, the sector has seen an increase in the illegal
reproduction and distribution of its genetics, resulting in an
uncontrollable number of unauthorized end products on the
market. This not only has a negative impact on breeders, but on
the entire vegetable value chain. A resulting sales decrease
leads to less development and innovation in the sector, and the
consumer faces uncertainty about the quality of vegetables as
plant varieties can no longer be clearly identified.
The companies participating in the association are Bejo Zaden,
De Ruiter Seeds, Enza Zaden, Vilmorin Cie., Nunhems, Rijk Zwaan,
Sakata Seed, Semillas Fito, Seminis, Syngenta Seeds and Takii
Seed. |
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POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT |
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Managing Director
Anti-Infringement Bureau for Intellectual Property Rights on
Plant Material
Brussels, Belgium |
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