By: Héctor Chagoya
The Law on Plant Varieties: Main Scope.
As of October 26, 1996, the Law on Plant Varieties provides protection to the breeders of novel, distinct, stable and homogeneous plant varieties during a term of 18 years for perennial species and 15 years for other species. The scope of the law is within the provisions of the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV Convention). Therefore, it is possible to claim priority within 12 months as of the filing date of an application in any other country that is a party of the Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). In addition, it is important to consider that applications for all species are accepted.
