PVR FAQs

Select from the options below to ask a question about the Intellectual Property Office or this website.

What is a plant variety right?

What kinds of plant varieties are covered?

How long does my plant variety right last?

How do I apply for a plant variety right?

How can I search for a plant variety right?

What happens after my application is received?

How do I maintain my plant variety right?

If you haven't found your answer then send us your question and we'll get back to you.

What is a plant variety right?

See What is a plant variety right?

What kinds of plant varieties are covered?

Plant Variety Rights are presently available for varieties of any kind of plant other than algae and bacteria.

Note: Following international custom in the world of plant variety protection the word "variety" is used not in the sense of a "botanical variety" but rather as being synonymous with "cultivar" or "cultivated variety".

How long does my plant variety right last?

Plant Variety Rights are granted for a term of 20 years in the case of non-woody plants, or 23 years in the case of woody plants, beginning from the date when Rights are granted.

How do I apply for a plant variety right?

See How to apply for a plant variety right.

How can I search for a plant variety right?

Search the PVR database to search for plant variety rights.

What happens after my application is received?

See Processing Applications.

How do I maintain my plant variety right?

See Maintaining a PVR.

If none of the above has answered your question, please send your question to the Intellectual Property Office team.