How long can companies 'patent' plants for?

moggymutt

I grow lots of plants for charity from seed, but like buying actual plants for taking cuttings off. The ones I fancy at the moment are for sale with a R with a circle around it- which I presume is some form of patent. I know that eventually on plants these run out, but does anybody know how long these 'patents' last for, before I can propogate and legally sell? Any answers would be greatly appreciated thanks.

valentina

You could try googling "plant breeders rights" - might find an answer there somewhere?

or try here http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/plantVarieties/plantbreedersRights/

PasturesNew

25 years from when they first registered. Vines/spuds are 30 years.

Source: page 15 http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/plantVarieties/plantbreedersRights/documents/pbrHandbookSept10.pdf

Davesnave

......But I wouldn't worry too much.

There is no Plant Police Force to storm your charity events, confiscate your plants and cart you off to the nearest nick for daring to do what comes naturally.

Of course the patents are there for a commercial reason, but they are not designed discourage amateur propagators, especially those who are growing for a good cause.