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The Effects of Strengthened IPR Regimes on the Plant Breeding Sector in Developing Countries

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  • Eaton, Derek J.F.
  • Tripp, Robert
  • Louwaars, Niels P.

Abstract

This paper analyzes the effect of intellectual property rights (IPR) regimes on the plant breeding sector in developing countries. Most of these countries have implemented a system of plant variety protection (PVP), or are in the process of doing so, generally as part of their obligations under the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS) of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This paper presents the results of research on the initial effects of IPRs on the plant breeding sector in five case study countries (China, Colombia, India, Kenya and Uganda). Three of the countries have PVP systems in place and the other two are in the process of either developing or implementing legislation. But the ease of implementing PVP seems to have been overestimated. Opportunities to minimize the transaction costs of acquiring and enforcing rights are being missed. Detailed interviews with both domestic and international seed companies suggest that PVP can not be expected to initiate the development of a commercial seed sector. But a well functioning system can play a role in stimulating further development of the sector, although a measured approach to increasing the scope of protection will probably better balance interests than rapid adoption standards of industrialized countries. The results also highlight the particular challenges facing national agricultural research institutes in determining how to best make use of IPRs, such as PVP, particularly given broader changes in publicly-financed agricultural research.

Suggested Citation

  • Eaton, Derek J.F. & Tripp, Robert & Louwaars, Niels P., 2006. "The Effects of Strengthened IPR Regimes on the Plant Breeding Sector in Developing Countries," 2006 Annual Meeting, August 12-18, 2006, Queensland, Australia 25455, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:iaae06:25455
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.25455
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Spielman, David J. & Ma, Xingliang, 2014. "Intellectual property rights, technology diffusion, and agricultural development: Cross-country evidence," IFPRI discussion papers 1345, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    2. 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.
    3. Martina Bozzola & Tim Swanson & Helena Ting, 2016. "Transfer of improved varieties in informal markets and the diffusion of embedded innovation: experimentation with genetic resources in Uganda," CIES Research Paper series 46-2016, Centre for International Environmental Studies, The Graduate Institute.
    4. Cavalieri, Anthony J. & Kolady, Deepthi & Spielman, David J., 2010. "Intellectual property rights, private investment in research, and productivity growth in Indian agriculture: A review of evidence and options," IFPRI discussion papers 1031, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

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