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Balancing Protection of Plant Varieties and Other Public Interests

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  • Chenwen Wu

    (China Institute of Boundary and Ocean Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China)

Abstract

The interplay between intellectual property rights for new plant varieties and public interests, particularly farmers’ rights, is critically examined within the context of global agricultural practices and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), World Trade Organization (WTO) members shall establish a mechanism to grant effective protection to new plant varieties. There are two typical compliance mechanisms with TRIPS: the model developed by the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV Convention) and India’s sui generis system. A comparison from the sustainable development perspective is conducted through the textual analysis of the regulations of each model. The results show that the UPOV Convention cannot advance the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and might have adverse effects. Conversely, India’s sui generis system represents a more balanced approach, addressing the needs of the farmers, the community, and environmental protection alongside those of breeders and benefitting sustainable development. The conclusion advocates for revising the UPOV Convention to incorporate broader concerns, including farmers’ rights and environmental sustainability, to ensure a more equitable approach to the protection of plant varieties.

Suggested Citation

  • Chenwen Wu, 2024. "Balancing Protection of Plant Varieties and Other Public Interests," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-24, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:13:p:5445-:d:1422954
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Tristan Kohl & Steven Brakman & Harry Garretsen, 2016. "Do Trade Agreements Stimulate International Trade Differently? Evidence from 296 Trade Agreements," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(1), pages 97-131, January.
    3. United Nations UN, 2015. "Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," Working Papers id:7559, eSocialSciences.
    4. Charity Ruramai Nhemachena & Johann F. Kirsten & Binganidzo Muchara, 2019. "The Effects of Plant Breeders’ Rights on Wheat Productivity and Varietal Improvement in South African Agriculture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-16, June.
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