Intellectual property rights and plant genetic resources. Options for a sui generis system Author Leskien D., Flitner M. Date 1997 Source IUCN (ID: MON-062173) Publisher | Place of publication International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) | Rome, Italy Pages 77 p. Document type Article in periodical Language English Field of application International Subject Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Genetic resources Management/conservation Intellectual property rights/patents Wild flora Abstract This study aims at the development and evaluation of elements for inclusion in an intellectual property rights system sui generis for the protection of plant varieties. Pursuant to the TRIPS Agreement, members shall provide patent protection for any inventions, whether products or processes, in all fields of technology. Memebers are allowed o exclude from patentability inter alia plants and animals other then microorganisms. However, the TRIPS Agreement explicitly requires members to provide for the protection of plant varieties either ' by patents or by an effective sui generis system or by any combination thereof.' The report studies the legal obligations posed by the TRIPSS Agreement in relation to plant genetic resources. It further analyzes the status of plant gentic resources under the existing international regulatory framework, in particular the Convention on Biological Diversity. The study gives an overview of and discusses possible elements, for example recognition of Farmers ' Rights, which, if included in a protection system for plant varieties, may contribute to reconciliation of the interests of formal breeders with regulating the interface between asui generis legislation and other intellectual property rights, such as patents. There is a broad range of possible TRIPS - compatible sui generis systems. Those systems should be explored and discussed before ready-made protection systems currently being used in many industrialized countries are adopted