IPR Laws to Protect Innovation not Restrict Crop Breeding - A Rational Approach

Private plant breeding has speeded up the introduction of new varieties and hybrids to improve productivity and production. Different intellectual property (IP) laws are in place to protect the innovation created in this sector. The relevant rights providing protection in this area include plant breeder’s rights (PBRs) and patent rights. A peculiar exemption in plant breeding called ‘breeder’s exemption’ in PBRs has been observed to play a vital role in innovation, an effect which was not seen as a result of the existing patent laws.