Patents on seeds
Since 1990, the European Patent Office (EPO) has granted 88 patents related to conventionally-bred (non-GM) plants. These patents are of questionable legality and could begin to restrict farmers' access to conventionally bred seeds.
GeneWatch UK is a member of the coalition No Patents on Seeds, which is trying to prevent this.
In May 2012, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the EPO to stop granting patents on conventionally bred plants.
GM plants are routinely patented, granting monopoly rights over the seeds: the EPO has granted 1602 patents on GM plants since 1990.
To oppose patents on seeds sign the Avaaz petition
Resources
- Press articles
- Press releases
- External links
- European Parliament resolution of 10 May 2012 on the patenting of essential biological processes
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No Patents on Seeds
The organisations behind No Patents On Seeds are especially concerned about increasing number of patents on plants, seeds and farm animals and their impact on farmers, breeders, innovation and biodiversity.
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European Patent Office: The "melon patent" case - FAQ
Explains the dipsute about a European patent on a conventionally-bred melon. Since 1990, the European Patent Office (EPO) has granted 88 patents related to conventionally-bred (non-GM) plants.