Our ServicesSeedlings

New plant variety registration applications

1. Procedures for new plant variety registration applications in Japan

   Applications

   Support for new plant variety registration application strategies

   After firstly listening to our clients concerning the characteristics, etc. of the new plant variety that they have created (flowers, vegetables, fruits, and fungi), our firm is able to fully grasp the appropriate needs, and after an overall consideration based upon past registration inclinations, etc., we subsequently propose an effective application strategy. Further, in order to appropriately protect the concerned new variety, we, as a patent firm, are able to provide advice as to whether a new plant variety registration or a plant patent would be better, and also consult in related fields including use of the variety denomination, and trademarks for branding.

   Drafting application documents

   Our technical staff is able to draft high quality application documents, together with the other required documentation (Characteristics table, etc.) to enable appropriate rights acquisition in respect of a client’s new plant variety, not just in Japan but also in other countries. Further where necessary to obtain the required information to draft the documentation, our firm may dispatch our staff to conduct an on-site investigation.

   Application procedures for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

   Our highly skilled and experienced staff within the general administration department ensures that all required procedures are not only performed promptly but also accurately. Further, our firm’s independent application management system ensures solid and trustworthy management. Regardless of how unique an application is, our firm is able to provide a full support system. Further, at the time of performing characteristic examinations (examinations as to whether the characteristics of the new plant variety meet the registration requirements), where a determination is made that those will not be implemented by cultivation testing at the National Center for Seeds and Seedlings but at the applicant’s own field, where an applicant is unable to provide an appropriate field, we are able to introduce an available field.

2. Procedural services after filing a plant variety registration application

   Procedures at the examination, trial phase

   Our firm is able to draw upon its experience to make accurate judgments and draft a rights acquisition policy. Through interviews with examiners, we are able to support efficient and smooth rights acquisition.

   Consultations, investigations, appraisal services, licensing services

   Through activities such as conferences and seminars, our firm is able to provide the accurate and appropriate information our clients seek. In addition, our team of professionals is able to provide opinions on matters such as whether or not there has been rights infringement, as well as providing a judgment on the possibility of rights acquisition. Our firm is also able to provide support in respect of licensing agreements.

   Trouble shooting consultations concerning new plant varieties

   Our firm provides trouble shooting consultation services (such as where a client’s own registered plant variety is being cultivated by someone else, or a warning has been received in respect of infringement of the breeder’s rights, etc.), and in addition is able to provide support in respect of litigation concerning the breeder’s rights.