Rijk Zwaan, a vegetable breeding company, settled a long term litigation with an Italian seed company before the Court of Modena, Italy according to a release.
The Italian seed company was accused of reproducing and marketing Rijk Zwaan seeds, but an agreement was reached on all civil aspects of the case. The seeds, which are protected under plant breeders’ rights, were lettuce varieties.
Rijk Zwaan invests around 30% of turnover into their own research and development. Sustainability in the vegetable sector is dependent on plant breeding companies being rewarded for their investment as they continue to improve vegetable varieties. Rewarding the companies continues to encourage their efforts of innovations which benefits growers, retailers and consumers.
The 1991 Act of the UPOV Convention covers plant breeders’ rights and protects all plant varieties of all genera and species. This allows plant breeding companies to ensure that there is a return on investment. It also helps plant development and makes sure there are improved plant varieties. There is an exemption that allows for the use of protected varieties for development of new varieties and their commercialization. Plant breeders’ rights being followed helps allow a level playing field and limits the unfair competition between various companies.
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