IP Australia is open for business and continues to be committed to its customers and stakeholders. We acknowledge these are challenging and uncertain times for everyone. We are closely monitoring the latest information about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Please refer to Business continuity and the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak page last updated 24/8/2021 for the most up to date information.
Plant breeder's rights (PBR) are exclusive commercial rights for a registered variety of plant.
Plant breeder's rights (PBR) are used to protect new varieties of plants that are distinct, uniform and stable.
PBR legislation also covers essentially derived varieties and farm saved seed. An advisory committee advises on any technical issues, and can sometimes grant PBR extensions.
Different combinations of intellectual property rights can be used to add value to a single plant variety. Trade marks and patents are most commonly used with plant breeder’s rights.
The length of the registration process can depend on the variety you are growing. The length of protection is also different for some species. Application fees, certificate fees and renewal fees apply.
Your plant breeder’s rights give you exclusive rights to commercialise your plant variety. To maintain your rights, you need to pay annual registration fees and label your plant variety correctly.
An objection to your application for plant breeder’s rights a PBR may take a long time to resolve. Attention to detail in your application can prevent objections.
You can apply for PBR in other countries. Australia's PBR scheme conforms with the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV).
 Victorian farmer and Managing Director of Berry Sensation®, Barry Richards, has built his company off the strawberries he imports from an overseas breeder. This Australian company has found success by importing unique varieties they believe will suit the Australian market and make the company stand out. |
 Are you a small or medium business wondering what intellectual property (IP) is and how it might help you grow and protect your enterprise? |
 Published:
12 July 2021 Are you thinking about importing plant varieties from overseas? Or do you just want to learn more about protecting your new variety? We have some great advice for you. |
 Published:
9 March 2021 The latest update to our online services is here, and it features an improved experience for our patent and plant breeder's rights customers. |
