Plant Breeders' Rights Office

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 Canadian Food Inspection Agency administers the Plant Breeders' Rights Act (1990) and regulations which provide legal protection to plant breeders for new plant varieties for up to 25 years for a variety of tree and vine (including their rootstocks), and 20 years for all other varieties of plants.

Public consultation

If you are interested in plant breeders' rights, you are invited to share your thoughts: Strengthening Plant Breeders' Rights Regulations by July 12, 2024.

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

Learn about plant breeders' rights

Related information

Latest

The report "Assessing impacts of the 2015 legislative amendments to Canada's Plant Breeders' Rights Act and UPOV'91 ratification" concluded that the amendments led to significant changes in the Intellectual Property environment for Canada's agriculture, horticulture, and ornamental sectors.

Adjusting service fees for inflation

Canadian Food Inspection Agency fees are updated annually on March 31 based on the Consumer Price Index. Learn more about adjusting service fees for inflation.

Please consult the Plant Breeders' Rights Fee Payment form or contact the Plant Breeders' Rights Office for the most up-to-date rates.