Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 92000E2264

**WRITTEN QUESTION P-2264/00 by Vincenzo Lavarra (PSE) to the Commission. Right to market table grapes included, and approved for cultivation, in the catalogue of national varieties in Italy in accordance with Community rules.** 
  
*Official Journal 046 E , 13/02/2001 P. 0218 - 0219*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2264/00

by Vincenzo Lavarra (PSE) to the Commission

(29 June 2000)

Subject: Right to market table grapes included, and approved for cultivation, in the catalogue of national varieties in Italy in accordance with Community rules

A number of producers of seedless grapes in southern Italy, and particularly producers of the Sugraone variety (which has been duly entered and approved for cultivation in the catalogue of national varieties in Italy) are concerned by the behaviour of certain Community importers who refuse to purchase Sugraone grapes unless the producer can prove he has paid production royalties to an American company that claims to have patent rights to the variety in question (although under a different name) that also apply when the product is marketed.

Could the Commission answer the following questions, with a view to preventing unfair charges and distortions of the internal market:

1. Can producers lawfully and freely market Sugraone grapes, without being subject to any restrictions by potential Community purchasers in terms of proving that they have paid production royalties?

2. Does the obligation to pay royalties at the production and marketing stage (and the requirement for purchasers to check that such royalties have been paid) apply solely to the marketing of varieties of table grapes that have been patented and have registered names and

trademarks, or do such obligations also apply to producers marketing named varieties of table grapes, such as Sugraone grapes, which are included, and approved for cultivation, in the catalogue of national varieties in Italy in accordance with Community rules?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(13 July 2000)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.

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