Patent applications on plants derived from conventional breeding 2016

This overview was compiled to present in-depth information on current patent applications in plant breeding. The research for this project was carried out amid ongoing controversy regarding patents on plants and animals. Currently, many civil society organisations, traditional breeders and farmers’ organisations are demanding a stop to patents on plants and animals as well as on breeding material used in, or derived from, conventional breeding. These demands are supported by relevant EU institutions i.e. the EU Parliament, the EU Commission and the EU Council. At the same time, the EU is urging the European Patent Office (EPO) to move towards adopting a new legally binding interpretation of the European Patent Convention (EPC).