New Law On Plant Varieties In Mexico

A new law on plant varieties has been enacted by the Mexican Government under the name of Federal Law on Plant Varieties. This law entered into force on October 26, 1996. The basic provisions are as follows:

1.- DURATION OF PROTECTION:

a) 18 years for perennial species (forest, fruits, grapes, ornamental
plants) and their graft carriers, and

b) 15 years for any other plant species not included in the above paragraph.


2.- REGISTRABILITY:

A breeder's right certificate will be issued on a plant variety, provided that:

I) It is new. A plant variety will fulfill this provision when:

a) The variety or its propagation material have not been marketed in Mexico before a period of one year prior to the application date;