Discover the Essentials of Plant Breeders’ Rights and Registration Procedures
Publicationdate: 21 november 2025
Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) are more than a legal concept, they are the backbone of innovation in horticulture. Understanding how to secure and maintain these rights is essential for breeders, seed companies and anyone involved in variety registration. The one-day course 'A Guide to Plant Breeders' Rights and Registration Procedures' offers practical insights and hands-on guidance to help you navigate the complex world of PBR.
Do you want to gain practical knowledge on how to apply for Plant Breeders’ Rights? Network with peers and experts in Plant Breeders' Rights? Strengthen your competitive edge in a global market? Than join this training.
The topics of this training
- Naktuinbouw and the Variety Testing Department
- Board for Plant Varieties and CPVO
- Procedures for Plant Breeders' Rights applications: online applications, filling out forms, deadlines, materials to be submitted
- Plant Breeders' Rights processes: decisions, determinations, confirmations, deadlines
- DUS testing, novelty, and variety name testing
- Re-registration: when it is free and when it is not
- Explenation of Variety Finder, Plant Scope
Unique Features
In the afternoon you can choose either the 'vegetable sector module' or the 'ornamental horticulture sector module':
- Vegetable Sector: Registration, maintenance control, authorization procedures, amateur varieties, and company trials.
- Ornamental Horticulture: Variety registration, brand and trade designations, and information sources.
A guided visit to trial fields and the Variety Center for real-world insights into DUS testing is also part of the program.
This course is an UPOV-endorsed training. After finishing this course, you will be granted 3 credits for the UPOV PVP Certificate program.
Who Should Attend?
The training is suitable for breeders and companies that are encountering Variety Testing for the first time. The training is intended for people in the horticultural sector who are involved in procedures for Plant Breeders' Rights and registration research. Perfect for international participants: this course is fully in English and designed for practical application.
What do former participants say about the course?
“The training provided me with a wealth of information, both theoretical and practical. The structure was excellent: theory in the morning and practical exercises in the afternoon. There was plenty of opportunity to ask questions. The implementation of trials and the analysis of data were explained very clearly.”
“A well-structured and informative learning day, with the material thoroughly covered in a practical way.”