Boult Wade Tennant
Service » Global plant breeders’ rights and national listings

We have a growing practice and specialist expertise in supporting major horticultural and biopharma clients in relation to plant breeders’ rights and national listings. The team is equipped to assist clients in national listings for plant varieties within the UK as well as obtaining rights across Europe. We also offer expert advice on the potential infringement risks associated with plant variety rights held by third parties.

 

What we do

Secure and preserve
  • We have significant experience in filing and prosecuting applications for plant breeders’ rights (known as plant variety rights in some countries) and national listings in the UK for our clients.
  • In this regard, we regularly act before the Plant Variety Rights Office of the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and have filed many applications using UPOV PRISMA.
  • We are regularly appointed as agent for existing UK plant breeders’ rights, particularly those created when the UK left the EU, and based upon former corresponding Community plant variety rights.
  • We are also able to coordinate the filing of plant variety right and national listing applications outside of the UK, including in the EU.

Technical toolkits

Services

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Patents

Our European, UK and German experts advise on the creation, exploitation and enforcement of IP rights across a wide range of sectors. They provide creative IP solutions and outstanding client service.

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Trade marks

Our highly skilled experts are experienced negotiators and have particular expertise in the management of large portfolios; searching and watching; domain name recovery; and trading standards and customs work.

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Designs

The team can advise clients across a wide range of industries on matters of design law and practice. They combine their commercial knowledge with legal expertise to provide high quality advice that is always pragmatic.

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Insights

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IP updates
Insufficiency arising from a partially incompatible dependent claim

EPO decision T 0878/23 highlights how inconsistencies in dependent claims can trigger insufficiency issues and revoke a patent. Careful claim drafting and timely amendments are crucial.

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IP updates
Killer bars?

A Patent Attorney’s take on Joe Wicks’ “Killer” Bars – exploring mixed messaging around ultra-processed foods and how regulation can inspire innovation in the food industry.

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IP updates
A ‘holistic’ approach to inventive step

The UPC Central Division confirms the EPO’s approach to inventive step, highlighting the importance of identifying realistic starting points and applying a holistic assessment.

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IP updates
Use it or risk losing it: Upcoming changes facing owners of comparable UK trade marks

After 1 January 2026, brand owners can no longer rely on EU use to maintain comparable UK trade marks. Genuine UK use will be required to defend and enforce registrations.

INSIGHTS

Patents