Seed Companies Create Bureau To Battle Infringement

Matt Hopkins Posted by Matt Hopkins|2 December 2008

Some major international seed companies – Bejo Zaden, De Ruiter Seeds, Enza Zaden, Vilmorin Cie., Nunhems, Rijk Zwaan, Sakata Seed, Semillas Fito, Seminis, Syngenta Seeds, and Takii Seed – have set up an association to prevent and discourage infringements of plant variety rights. Located in Brussels, the Anti-Infringement Bureau for Intellectual Property Rights on Plant Material (AIB) will focus on the detection, trade, and distribution of illegally propagated plant material, as well as the unauthorized use of registered names of protected varieties, and will support vegetable seed companies in all European and some neighboring markets.

AIB will help to protect the interests of plant breeders and ensure incentives and financing for the development of new varieties with improved quality, as well as raise 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 and provide information and advice to national governments and organizations.

AIB is currently inviting candidates to apply for the position of Managing Director.