Plant breeders' rights are a form of intellectual property rights by which plant breeders can protect their new varieties in the same way an inventor protects a new invention with a patent.
The CFIA administers the Plant Breeders' Rights Act (1990) and regulations which provide legal protection to plant breeders for new plant varieties. This protection can last for up to 25 years for:
- a variety of tree and vine (including their rootstocks)
- potato
- asparagus
- all woody plant species
The protection lasts for 20 years for all other varieties of plants (excluding algae, bacteria and fungi).
Apply for plant breeders' rights online
Apply online for plant breeders' rights in Canada using the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) PRISMA application tool.
What information is available
Information for applicants
- Applying for plant breeders' rights – 3-part process
- Variety naming guidelines
- Status of applications and grant of rights
- Contact us
Learn about plant breeders' rights
- Overview: plant breeders' rights
- Guide to plant breeders' rights
- Plant varieties journal
- Changes to the Plant Breeders' Rights Act
Related information
Latest
On May 6, 2026, the updated Plant Breeders' Rights Regulations were published to the Canada Gazette, Part II.
Adjusting service fees for inflation
CFIA fees are updated annually on March 31 based on the Consumer Price Index. Learn more about adjusting service fees for inflation.
Consult the Plant Breeders' Rights Fee Payment form or contact the Plant Breeders' Rights Office for the most up-to-date rates.