62023TJ0145_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Third Chamber) of 11 September 2024 –Eurosemillas v CPVO – Nador Cott Protection and Carpa Dorada (Nadorcott)
(Case T‑145/23) (
1
)
(New varieties of plants – Community plant variety rights for the mandarin variety ‘Nadorcott’ – Nullity proceedings – Burden of proof – Examination of the facts by the CPVO of its own motion)
1.
Agriculture – Uniform legislation – Protection of plant varieties – Appeals procedure – Appeal brought against a decision of the Community Plant Variety Office and referred to the Board of Appeal – Examination of the facts by the CPVO of its own motion – Obligation to examine carefully and impartially all the relevant aspects – Scope
(Council Regulation No 2100/94, Arts 54, 55 and 76)
(see paragraph 25)
2.
Agriculture – Uniform legislation – Protection of plant varieties – Appeals procedure – Appeal brought against a decision of the Community Plant Variety Office and referred to the Board of Appeal – Measures of inquiry – Request made by a party – Conditions under which permissible
(Council Regulation No 2100/94, Art. 78)
(see paragraph 28)
3.
Agriculture – Uniform legislation – Protection of plant varieties – Appeals procedure – Appeal brought against a decision of the Community Plant Variety Office and referred to the Board of Appeal – Examination of the facts by the CPVO of its own motion – Scope – Facts and evidence not submitted in due time – Account taken – Discretion of the Office
(Council Regulation No 2100/94, Art. 76; Commission Regulation No 874/2009, Art. 53a(4))
(see paragraphs 38, 39)
4.
Agriculture – Uniform legislation – Protection of plant varieties – Declaration annulling a right improperly granted – Request to open nullity proceedings – Burden of proof on the applicant – Reversal of the burden of proof – Conditions
(Council Regulation No 2100/94, Arts 20(1)(a), 54 and 55)
(see paragraph 47)
5.
Agriculture – Uniform legislation – Protection of plant varieties – Decisions of the Community Plant Variety Office or its Boards of Appeal – Judicial review – Scope
(Council Regulation No 2100/94, Art. 73)
(see paragraphs 57, 58)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Eurosemillas, SA to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 164, 8.5.2023.