Applying for Plant Breeders' Rights: 3-part process

Part 1: file an application

Persons interested in protecting a new plant variety under Plant Breeders' Rights must first complete an application form. The accepted date of an application is the date the following are received by the Plant Breeders' Rights (PBR) Office:

  • completed application form
  • application fee
  • supporting documentation
  • sample of propagating material (where applicable)

Part 2: examination

A request for site examination must be submitted with the appropriate fee to proceed. The examination of an application determines whether the candidate variety meets the requirements for distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS).

Part 3: grant of rights

The Plant Breeders' Rights (PBR) Office will notify the applicant when the variety is eligible for grant of rights and will require that a confirmation of grant of rights information form and fee be provided at that time. A variety will be eligible for grant of rights after the examination process has been completed and all of the criteria for Plant Breeders' Rights have been met.