We can advise you on the best way to protect and enforce your plant science inventions in the UK, Europe and beyond. We provide a comprehensive service assisting in drafting and prosecuting patent applications relating to plant science and agritech inventions. We also routinely prepare and prosecute plant variety right (PVR) applications in multiple jurisdictions and manage applications through DUS testing all the way to grant.
We offer strategic advice on freedom to operate and our expert patent attorneys work with our specialist IP solicitors to advise on enforcement of both patents relating to plant innovations and PVRs.
We also have a team of experts with a wealth of experience who can advise you on licensing and assigning rights relating to your IP.
On Wednesday 18 June 2026, after years of discussion, the EU Parliament approved the New Genomic Techniques (NGT) Regulation, following the text provisionally agreed in December 2025.
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"This is an important decision on many levels. In finding against NCP, the court has given clear, seminal guidance on the correct interpretation of essentially derived varieties under UK legislation."
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Plant breeder’s rights (PBRs) have entered the litigation spotlight in the UK with the recent decision in the case between Nador Cott Protection SAS (NCP) and Asda Stores Limited & International Procurement and Logistics Limited (IPL).
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Plant breeder’s rights (PBRs) for new plant varieties are granted by The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in the UK. A separate application is required to add a plant variety to the UK national list so that it can be marketed in the UK.
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Appleyard Lees is dedicated to providing comprehensive intellectual property services in the UK and internationally. To discuss your IP challenges with a relevant professional, please submit the following brief details:
