Source: http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title7/chapter57&edition=prelim
Timestamp: 2018-02-23 18:16:40
Document Index: 177077823

Matched Legal Cases: ['§2321', '§1', '§1', '§141', '§1', '§1', '§145', '§2322', '§2', '§2323', '§3', '§2324', '§4', '§2325', '§2', '§5', '§2326', '§6', '§2327', '§7', '§13', '§2328', '§8', '§3', '§2329', '§9', '§4', '§2330', '§10', '§5', '§13', '§5', '§6', '§7', '§2331', '§11', '§9', '§2351', '§21', '§2352', '§22', '§2353', '§23', '§13', '§2354', '§24', '§13', '§13', '§13', '§13', '§2355', '§25', '§2356', '§26', '§2357', '§27', '§13', '§2371', '§31', '§10', '§1505', '§2372', '§32', '§2401', '§41', '§2', '§15', '§14', '§2402', '§42', '§3', '§913', '§2403', '§43', '§2404', '§44', '§13', '§2421', '§51', '§2422', '§52', '§11', '§4', '§4', '§4', '§4', '§4', '§4', '§2423', '§53', '§13', '§13', '§13', '§2424', '§54', '§13', '§2425', '§55', '§5', '§5', '§5', '§13', '§5', '§13', '§2426', '§56', '§12', '§2427', '§57', '§13', '§2441', '§61', '§2442', '§62', '§6', '§2443', '§63', '§2461', '§71', '§145', '§8', '§2462', '§72', '§13', '§2463', '§8', '§73', '§8', '§8', '§2481', '§81', '§4', '§2482', '§82', '§13', '§2483', '§83', '§14', '§7', '§913', '§913', '§913', '§7', '§13', '§7', '§13', '§7', '§7', '§2484', '§84', '§15', '§2485', '§85', '§16', '§2486', '§86', '§13', '§2501', '§91', '§17', '§13', '§2502', '§8', '§92', '§93', '§18', '§2504', '§92', '§94', '§92', '§8', '§8', '§8', '§8', '§2531', '§101', '§2532', '§102', '§8', '§2541', '§111', '§19', '§3', '§9', '§9', '§9', '§9', '§9', '§9', '§9', '§9', '§9', '§9', '§9', '§9', '§4', '§2542', '§112', '§13', '§2543', '§113', '§10', '§3', '§10', '§13', '§2544', '§114', '§2545', '§115', '§2561', '§121', '§13', '§2562', '§122', '§2563', '§123', '§2564', '§124', '§2565', '§125', '§2566', '§126', '§13', '§2567', '§127', '§19', '§11', '§2568', '§128', '§19', '§12', '§2569', '§129', '§2570', '§130', '§3', '§13', '§2581', '§131', '§2582', '§132', '§2583', '§20', '§144']

[USC02] 7 USC Ch. 57: PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION
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7 USC Ch. 57: PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION
CHAPTER 57—PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION
SUBCHAPTER I—PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION OFFICE
Part A—Organization and Publications
Restrictions on employees as to interest in plant variety protection.
Plant Variety Protection Board.
Register of protected plant varieties.
Copies for public libraries.
Part B—Legal Provisions as to the Plant Variety Protection Office
Day for taking action falling on Saturday, Sunday, or holiday.
Form of papers filed.
Testimony in Plant Variety Protection Office cases.
Subpoenas; witnesses.
Regulations for practice before the Office.
Unauthorized practice.
Part C—Plant Variety Protection Fees
Plant variety protection fees.
Payment of plant variety protection fees; return of excess amounts.
SUBCHAPTER II—PROTECTABILITY OF PLANT VARIETIES AND CERTIFICATES OF PROTECTION
Part D—Protectability of Plant Varieties
Right to plant variety protection; plant varieties protectable.
Reciprocity limits.
Public interest in wide usage.
Part E—Applications; Form; Who May File; Relating Back; Confidentiality
Application for recognition of plant variety rights.
Joint breeders.
Death or incapacity of breeder.
Benefit of earlier filing date.
Confidential status of application.
Part F—Examinations; Response Time; Initial Appeals
Notice of refusal; reconsideration.
Initial appeal.
Part G—Appeals to Courts and Other Review
Civil action against Secretary.
Part H—Certificates of Plant Variety Protection
Plant variety protection.
Contents and term of plant variety protection.
Correction of Plant Variety Protection Office mistake.
Correction of applicant's mistake.
Correction of named breeder.
Part I—Reexamination After Issue, and Contested Proceedings
Reexamination after issue.
2502, 2503. Repealed.
Interfering plant variety protection.
SUBCHAPTER III—PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION AND RIGHTS
Part J—Ownership and Assignment
Ownership and assignment.
Ownership during testing.
Part K—Infringement of Plant Variety Protection
Infringement of plant variety protection.
Right to save seed; crop exemption.
Research exemption.
Intermediary exemption.
Part L—Remedies for Infringement of Plant Variety Protection, and Other Actions
Remedy for infringement of plant variety protection.
Limitation of damages; marking and notice.
False marking; cease and desist orders.
Nonresident proprietors; service and notice.
Liability of States, instrumentalities of States, and State officials for infringement of plant variety protection.
Part M—Intent and Severability
§2321. Establishment
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §1, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1542; Pub. L. 96–574, §1, Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3350.)
1980—Pub. L. 96–574 substituted "an office" for "a bureau".
Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §141, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1558, provided that: "This Act [this chapter] shall take effect upon enactment [Dec. 24, 1970]. Applications may be filed with the Secretary and held by him until the Office of Plant Variety Protection is organized and in operation".
Pub. L. 103–349, §1(a), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3136, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 2327, 2330, 2353, 2354, 2357, 2401, 2402, 2404, 2422, 2423, 2424, 2425, 2442, 2461, 2462, 2463, 2482, 2483, 2486, 2501, 2504, 2532, 2541, 2542, 2543, 2561, 2566, 2567, 2568, and 2570 of this title, repealing sections 2463, 2502 and 2503 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 2401 of this title] may be cited as the &apos;Plant Variety Protection Act Amendments of 1994&apos;."
Pub. L. 102–560, §1, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4230, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 2570 of this title and section 296 of Title 35, Patents, amending section 2541 of this title and section 271 of Title 35, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 2541 of this title] may be cited as the &apos;Patent and Plant Variety Protection Remedy Clarification Act&apos;."
Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §145, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1559, provided that: "This Act [enacting this chapter, section 1611 of this title, and sections 1545 and 2353 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, amending section 1562 of this title and sections 1338 and 1498 of Title 28, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section] may be cited as the &apos;Plant Variety Protection Act&apos;."
§2322. Seal
The Plant Variety Protection Office shall have a seal with which documents and certificates evidencing plant variety protection shall be authenticated.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §2, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1542.)
§2323. Organization
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §3, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1542.)
§2324. Restrictions on employees as to interest in plant variety protection
Employees of the Plant Variety Protection Office shall be ineligible during the periods of their employment, to apply for plant variety protection and to acquire directly or indirectly, except by inheritance or bequest, any right or interest in any matters before that office. This section shall not apply to members of the Plant Variety Protection Board who are not otherwise employees of the Plant Variety Protection Office.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §4, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1542.)
§2325. Repealed. Pub. L. 96–574, §2, Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3350
Section, Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §5, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1542, required employees designated by Secretary to give bond before entering upon their duties.
§2326. Regulations
The Secretary may establish regulations, not inconsistent with law, for the conduct of proceedings in the Plant Variety Protection Office after consultations with the Plant Variety Protection Board.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §6, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1542.)
§2327. Plant Variety Protection Board
The Secretary shall appoint a Plant Variety Protection Board. The Board shall consist of individuals who are experts in various areas of varietal development covered by this chapter. Membership of the Board shall include farmer representation and shall be drawn approximately equally from the private or seed industry sector and from the sector of government or the public. The Secretary or the designee of the Secretary shall act as chairperson of the Board without voting rights except in the case of ties.
(b) Functions of Board
The functions of the Plant Variety Protection Board shall include:
(1) Advising the Secretary concerning the adoption of Rules and Regulations to facilitate the proper administration of this chapter;
(3) Advising the Secretary on all questions under section 2404 of this title.
(c) Compensation of Board
The members of the Plant Variety Protection Board shall serve without compensation except for standard government reimbursable expenses.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §7, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1543; Pub. L. 103–349, §13(a), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3142.)
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–349 substituted "the designee of the Secretary shall act as chairperson" for "his designee shall act as chairman" in last sentence.
§2328. Library
The Secretary shall maintain a library of scientific and other works and periodicals, both foreign and domestic, in the Plant Variety Protection Office to aid the examiners in the discharge of their duties.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §8, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1543; Pub. L. 96–574, §3, Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3350.)
1980—Pub. L. 96–574 substituted "examiners" for "officers".
§2329. Register of protected plant varieties
The Secretary shall maintain a register of descriptions of United States protected plant varieties.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §9, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1543; Pub. L. 96–574, §4, Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3350.)
1980—Pub. L. 96–574 substituted "descriptions" for "published specifications", and struck out provisions requiring maintenance of a file for other information.
§2330. Publications
(2) The Official Journal of the Plant Variety Protection Office, including annual indices.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §10, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1543; Pub. L. 96–574, §§5–8, Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3350; Pub. L. 103–349, §13(b), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3143.)
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–349 substituted "the Secretary" for "he" before "shall" in introductory provisions.
1980—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 96–574, §5, substituted provisions respecting descriptions for provisions respecting specifications.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–574, §§6, 7, struck out subsec. (b) which related to photolithography and lithography, redesignated subsec. (c) as (b) and substituted "plant breeding" for "the useful arts".
Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 96–574, §§7, 8, redesignated subsec. (d) as (c) and substituted "descriptions" for "specifications" in two places. Former subsec. (c) redesignated (b).
§2331. Copies for public libraries
The Secretary may supply printed copies of descriptions, drawings, and photographs of protected plant varieties to public libraries in the United States which shall maintain such copies for the use of the public.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §11, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1544; Pub. L. 96–574, §9, Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3350.)
1980—Pub. L. 96–574 substituted "descriptions" for "specifications".
§2351. Day for taking action falling on Saturday, Sunday, or holiday
When the day, or the last day, for taking any action or paying any fee in the United States Plant Variety Protection Office falls on Saturday, Sunday, a holiday within the District of Columbia, or on any other day the Plant Variety Protection Office is closed for the receipt of papers, the action may be taken or the fee paid, on the next succeeding business day.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §21, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1544.)
§2352. Form of papers filed
The Secretary may by regulations prescribe the form of papers to be filed in the Plant Variety Protection Office.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §22, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1544.)
§2353. Testimony in Plant Variety Protection Office cases
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §23, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1544; Pub. L. 103–349, §13(c), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3143.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–349 substituted "the officer" for "he" in second sentence and "the person" for "he" in third sentence.
§2354. Subpoenas; witnesses
(c) A judge of a court whose clerk issued a subpoena may enforce obedience to the process or punish disobedience as in other like cases, on proof that a witness, served with such subpoena, neglected or refused to appear or to testify. No witness shall be deemed guilty of contempt for disobeying such subpoena unless the fees and traveling expenses of the witness in going to, and returning from, one day's attendance at the place of examination, are paid or tendered the witness at the time of the service of the subpoena; nor for refusing to disclose any secret matter except upon appropriate order of the court which issued the subpoena or of the Secretary.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §24, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1544; Pub. L. 103–349, §13(d), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3143.)
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–349, §13(d)(1), substituted "the witness" for "him" in first sentence.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–349, §13(d)(2)(B), substituted "the witness" for "him" after "paid or tendered" in second sentence.
Pub. L. 103–349, §13(d)(2)(A), which directed that second sentence be amended by substituting "the fees and traveling expenses of the witness" for "this fees and traveling expenses", was executed by making the substitution for "his fees and traveling expenses", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
§2355. Effect of defective execution
Any document to be filed in the Plant Variety Protection Office and which is required by any law or regulation to be executed in a specified manner may be provisionally accepted by the Secretary despite a defective execution, provided a properly executed document is submitted within such time as may be prescribed.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §25, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1545.)
§2356. Regulations for practice before the Office
The Secretary shall prescribe regulations governing the admission to practice and conduct of persons representing applicants or other parties before the Plant Variety Protection Office. The Secretary may, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, suspend or exclude, either generally or in any particular case, from further practice before the Office of Plant Variety Protection any person shown to be incompetent or disreputable or guilty of gross misconduct.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §26, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1545.)
§2357. Unauthorized practice
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §27, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1545; Pub. L. 103–349, §13(e), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3143.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–349 substituted "the person" for "he" in two places in last sentence.
§2371. Plant variety protection fees
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §31, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1545; Pub. L. 96–574, §10, Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3350; Pub. L. 100–203, title I, §1505, Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–28.)
1987—Pub. L. 100–203 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: "The Secretary shall, under such regulations as he may prescribe, charge and collect reasonable fees for services performed under this chapter. Such fees shall be deposited into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts. There are hereby authorized to be appropriated such funds as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter."
§2372. Payment of plant variety protection fees; return of excess amounts
All fees shall be paid to the Secretary, and the Secretary may refund any sum paid by mistake or in excess of the fee required.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §32, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1545.)
§2401. Definitions and rules of construction
(1) Basic seed
The term "basic seed" means the seed planted to produce certified or commercial seed.
(2) Breeder
The term "breeder" means the person who directs the final breeding creating a variety or who discovers and develops a variety. If the actions are conducted by an agent on behalf of a principal, the principal, rather than the agent, shall be considered the breeder. The term does not include a person who redevelops or rediscovers a variety the existence of which is publicly known or a matter of common knowledge.
(3) Essentially derived variety
The term "essentially derived variety" means a variety that—
(i) is predominantly derived from another variety (referred to in this paragraph as the "initial variety") or from a variety that is predominantly derived from the initial variety, while retaining the expression of the essential characteristics that result from the genotype or combination of genotypes of the initial variety;
(ii) is clearly distinguishable from the initial variety; and
(iii) except for differences that result from the act of derivation, conforms to the initial variety in the expression of the essential characteristics that result from the genotype or combination of genotypes of the initial variety.
An essentially derived variety may be obtained by the selection of a natural or induced mutant or of a somaclonal variant, the selection of a variant individual from plants of the initial variety, backcrossing, transformation by genetic engineering, or other method.
The term "kind" means one or more related species or subspecies singly or collectively known by one common name, such as soybean, flax, or radish.
The term "seed", with respect to a tuber propagated variety, means the tuber or the part of the tuber used for propagation.
(6) Sexually reproduced
The term "sexually reproduced" includes any production of a variety by seed, but does not include the production of a variety by tuber propagation.
(7) Tuber propagated
The term "tuber propagated" means propagated by a tuber or a part of a tuber.
The terms "United States" and "this country" mean the United States, the territories and possessions of the United States, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
The term "variety" means a plant grouping within a single botanical taxon of the lowest known rank, that, without regard to whether the conditions for plant variety protection are fully met, can be defined by the expression of the characteristics resulting from a given genotype or combination of genotypes, distinguished from any other plant grouping by the expression of at least one characteristic and considered as a unit with regard to the suitability of the plant grouping for being propagated unchanged. A variety may be represented by seed, transplants, plants, tubers, tissue culture plantlets, and other matter.
(1) Sale or disposition for nonreproductive purposes
The sale or disposition, for other than reproductive purposes, of harvested material produced as a result of experimentation or testing of a variety to ascertain the characteristics of the variety, or as a by-product of increasing a variety, shall not be considered to be a sale or disposition for purposes of exploitation of the variety.
(2) Sale or disposition for reproductive purposes
The sale or disposition of a variety for reproductive purposes shall not be considered to be a sale or disposition for the purposes of exploitation of the variety if the sale or disposition is done as an integral part of a program of experimentation or testing to ascertain the characteristics of the variety, or to increase the variety on behalf of the breeder or the successor in interest of the breeder.
(3) Sale or disposition of hybrid seed
The sale or disposition of hybrid seed shall be considered to be a sale or disposition of harvested material of the varieties from which the seed was produced.
(4) Application for protection or entering into a register of varieties
The filing of an application for the protection or for the entering of a variety in an official register of varieties, in any country, shall be considered to render the variety a matter of common knowledge from the date of the application, if the application leads to the granting of protection or to the entering of the variety in the official register of varieties, as the case may be.
(5) Distinctness
The distinctness of one variety from another may be based on one or more identifiable morphological, physiological, or other characteristics (including any characteristics evidenced by processing or product characteristics, such as milling and baking characteristics in the case of wheat) with respect to which a difference in genealogy may contribute evidence.
(6) Publicly known varieties
A variety that is adequately described by a publication reasonably considered to be a part of the public technical knowledge in the United States shall be considered to be publicly known and a matter of common knowledge.
A description that meets the requirements of subparagraph (A) shall include a disclosure of the principal characteristics by which a variety is distinguished.
(C) Other means
A variety may become publicly known and a matter of common knowledge by other means.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §41, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1546; Pub. L. 103–349, §2, Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3136.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–349 amended section generally, substituting provisions consisting of subsecs. (a) and (b) for former provisions consisting of subsecs. (a) to (j).
Pub. L. 103–349, §15, Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3145, provided that: "This Act [amending this section and sections 2327, 2330, 2353, 2354, 2357, 2402, 2404, 2422, 2423, 2424, 2425, 2442, 2461, 2462, 2463, 2482, 2483, 2486, 2501, 2504, 2532, 2541, 2542, 2543, 2561, 2566, 2567, 2568, and 2570 of this title, repealing sections 2463, 2502 and 2503 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 2321 of this title] and the amendments made by this Act shall become effective 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 6, 1994]."
Transitional Provisions for 1994 Amendment
Pub. L. 103–349, §14, Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3144, provided that:
"(a) In General.—Except as provided in this section, any variety for which a certificate of plant variety protection has been issued prior to the effective date of this Act [see Effective Date of 1994 Amendment note above], and any variety for which an application is pending on the effective date of this Act, shall continue to be governed by the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321 et seq.), as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act.
"(b) Applications Refiled.—
"(1) In general.—An applicant may refile a pending application on or after the effective date of this Act [see Effective Date of 1994 Amendment note above].
"(2) Effect of refiling.—If a pending application is refiled on or after the effective date of this Act—
"(A) eligibility for protection and the terms of protection shall be governed by the Plant Variety Protection Act [7 U.S.C. 2321 et seq.], as amended by this Act; and
"(B) for purposes of section 42 of the Plant Variety Protection Act [7 U.S.C. 2402], as amended by section 3 of this Act, the date of filing shall be the date of filing of the original application.
"(c) Labeling.—
"(1) In general.—To obtain the protection provided to an owner of a protected variety under the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321 et seq.) (as amended by this Act), a notice given by an owner concerning the variety under section 127 of the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2567) shall state that the variety is protected under such Act (as amended by this Act).
"(2) Sanctions.—Any person that makes a false or misleading statement or claim, or uses a false or misleading label, concerning protection described in paragraph (1) shall be subject to the sanctions described in section 128 of the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2568)."
§2402. Right to plant variety protection; plant varieties protectable
The breeder of any sexually reproduced or tuber propagated plant variety (other than fungi or bacteria) who has so reproduced the variety, or the successor in interest of the breeder, shall be entitled to plant variety protection for the variety, subject to the conditions and requirements of this chapter, if the variety is—
(1) new, in the sense that, on the date of filing of the application for plant variety protection, propagating or harvested material of the variety has not been sold or otherwise disposed of to other persons, by or with the consent of the breeder, or the successor in interest of the breeder, for purposes of exploitation of the variety—
(A) in the United States, more than 1 year prior to the date of filing; or
(B) in any area outside of the United States—
(i) more than 4 years prior to the date of filing, except that in the case of a tuber propagated plant variety the Secretary may waive the 4-year limitation for a period ending 1 year after April 4, 1996; or
(ii) in the case of a tree or vine, more than 6 years prior to the date of filing;
(2) distinct, in the sense that the variety is clearly distinguishable from any other variety the existence of which is publicly known or a matter of common knowledge at the time of the filing of the application;
(3) uniform, in the sense that any variations are describable, predictable, and commercially acceptable; and
(4) stable, in the sense that the variety, when reproduced, will remain unchanged with regard to the essential and distinctive characteristics of the variety with a reasonable degree of reliability commensurate with that of varieties of the same category in which the same breeding method is employed.
(b) Multiple applicants
If 2 or more applicants submit applications on the same effective filing date for varieties that cannot be clearly distinguished from one another, but that fulfill all other requirements of subsection (a), the applicant who first complies with all requirements of this chapter shall be entitled to a certificate of plant variety protection, to the exclusion of any other applicant.
(2) Requirements completed on same date
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), if 2 or more applicants comply with all requirements for protection on the same date, a certificate shall be issued for each variety.
(B) Varieties indistinguishable
If the varieties that are the subject of the applications cannot be distinguished in any manner, a single certificate shall be issued jointly to the applicants.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §42, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1547; Pub. L. 103–349, §3, Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3138; Pub. L. 104–127, title IX, §913(a), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1186.)
1996—Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 104–127 inserted ", except that in the case of a tuber propagated plant variety the Secretary may waive the 4-year limitation for a period ending 1 year after April 4, 1996" after "filing".
1994—Pub. L. 103–349 amended section generally, substituting present provisions for substantially similar former provisions.
§2403. Reciprocity limits
Protection under this chapter may, by regulation, be limited to nationals of the United States, except where this limitation would violate a treaty and except that nationals of a foreign state in which they are domiciled shall be entitled to so much of the protection here afforded as is afforded by said foreign state to nationals of the United States for the same genus and species.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §43, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1547.)
§2404. Public interest in wide usage
The Secretary may declare a protected variety open to use on a basis of equitable remuneration to the owner, not less than a reasonable royalty, when the Secretary determines that such declaration is necessary in order to insure an adequate supply of fiber, food, or feed in this country and that the owner is unwilling or unable to supply the public needs for the variety at a price which may reasonably be deemed fair. Such declaration may be, with or without limitation, with or without designation of what the remuneration is to be; and shall be subject to review as under section 2461 or 2462 of this title (any finding that the price is not reasonable being reviewable), and shall remain in effect not more than two years. In the event litigation is required to collect such remuneration, a higher rate may be allowed by the court.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §44, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1547; Pub. L. 103–349, §13(f), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3143.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–349 substituted "the Secretary" for "he" before "determines" in first sentence.
§2421. Application for recognition of plant variety rights
(a) An application for a certificate of Plant Variety Protection may be filed by the owner of the variety sought to be protected. The application shall be made in writing to the Secretary, shall be signed by or on behalf of the applicant, and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
(b) An error as to the naming of the breeder, without deceptive intent, may be corrected at any time, in accordance with regulations established by the Secretary.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §51, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1548.)
§2422. Content of application
An application for a certificate recognizing plant variety rights shall contain:
(1) The name of the variety except that a temporary designation will suffice until the certificate is to be issued. The variety shall be named in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary.
(2) A description of the variety setting forth its distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability and a description of the genealogy and breeding procedure, when known. The Secretary may require amplification, including the submission of adequate photographs or drawings or plant specimens, if the description is not adequate or as complete as is reasonably possible, and submission of records or proof of ownership or of allegations made in the application. An applicant may add to or correct the description at any time, before the certificate is issued, upon a showing acceptable to the Secretary that the revised description is retroactively accurate. Courts shall protect others from any injustice which would result. The Secretary may accept records of the breeder and of any official seed certifying agency in this country as evidence of stability where applicable.
(3) A statement of the basis of the claim of the applicant that the variety is new.
(4) A declaration that a viable sample of basic seed (including any propagating material) necessary for propagation of the variety will be deposited and replenished periodically in a public repository in accordance with regulations to be established hereunder.
(5) A statement of the basis of applicant's ownership.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §52, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1548; Pub. L. 96–574, §11, Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3350; Pub. L. 103–349, §4, Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3139.)
1994—Par. (1). Pub. L. 103–349, §4(1), inserted at end "The variety shall be named in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary."
Par. (2). Pub. L. 103–349, §4(2), in first sentence substituted "distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability" for "novelty".
Par. (3). Pub. L. 103–349, §4(4), added par. (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (4).
Par. (4). Pub. L. 103–349, §4(3), (5), redesignated par. (3) as (4) and inserted "(including any propagating material)" after "basic seed". Former par. (4) redesignated (5).
Par. (5). Pub. L. 103–349, §4(3), redesignated par. (4) as (5).
1980—Par. (3). Pub. L. 96–574 struck out provisions relating to adding of declaration by amendment.
§2423. Joint breeders
(a) When two or more persons are the breeders, one person (or the successor of the person) may apply, naming the others.
(b) The Secretary, after such notice as the Secretary may prescribe, may issue a certificate of plant variety protection to the applicant and such of the other breeders (or their successors in interest) as may have subsequently joined in the application.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §53, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1548; Pub. L. 103–349, §13(g), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3143.)
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–349, §13(g)(1), substituted "one person (or the successor of the person)" for "one (or his successor)".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–349, §13(g)(2), substituted "the Secretary" for "he" before "may".
§2424. Death or incapacity of breeder
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §54, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1548; Pub. L. 103–349, §13(h), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3143.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–349 substituted "the successor in interest of the breeder" for "his successor in interest".
§2425. Benefit of earlier filing date
(a)(1) An application for a certificate of plant variety protection filed in this country based on the same variety, and on rights derived from the same breeder, on which there has previously been filed an application for plant variety protection in a foreign country which affords similar privileges in the case of applications filed in the United States by nationals of the United States, shall have the same effect as the same application would have if filed in the United States on the date on which the application for plant variety protection for the same variety was first filed in such foreign country, if the application in this country is filed within twelve months from the earliest date on which such foreign application was filed, not including the date on which the application is filed in the foreign country.
(2) No application shall be entitled to a right of priority under this section, unless the applicant designates the foreign application in the application filed in the United States or by amendment thereto and, if required by the Secretary, furnishes such copy, translation or both, as the Secretary may specify.
(3)(A) An applicant entitled to a right of priority under this subsection shall be allowed to furnish any necessary information, document, or material required for the purpose of the examination of the application during—
(i) the 2-year period beginning on the date of the expiration of the period of priority; or
(ii) if the first application is rejected or withdrawn, an appropriate period after the rejection or withdrawal, to be determined by the Secretary.
(B) An event occurring within the period of priority (such as the filing of another application or use of the variety that is the subject of the first application) shall not constitute a ground for rejecting the application or give rise to any third party right.
(b) An application for a certificate of plant variety protection for the same variety as was the subject of an application previously filed in the United States by or on behalf of the same person, or by the predecessor in title of the person, shall have the same effect as to such variety as though filed on the date of the prior application if filed before the issuance of the certificate or other termination of proceedings on the first application or on an application similarly entitled to the benefit of the filing date of the first application and if it contains or is amended to contain a specific reference to the earlier filed application.
(c) A later application shall not by itself establish that a characteristic newly described was in the variety at the time of the earlier application.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §55, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1548; Pub. L. 103–349, §§5, 13(i), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3139, 3143.)
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–349, §5(1), designated first sentence as par. (1) and second sentence as par. (2).
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–349, §5(2), inserted before period at end ", not including the date on which the application is filed in the foreign country".
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103–349, §13(i)(1), substituted "in the application filed in the United States" for "in his application".
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 103–349, §5(3), added par. (3).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–349, §13(i)(2), substituted "the predecessor in title of the person" for "his predecessor in title".
§2426. Confidential status of application
Applications for plant variety protection and their contents shall be kept in confidence by the Plant Variety Protection Office, by the Board, and by the offices in the Department of Agriculture to which access may be given under regulations. No information concerning the same shall be given without the authority of the owner, unless necessary under special circumstances as may be determined by the Secretary, except that the Secretary may publish the variety names designated in applications, stating the kind to which each applies, the name of the applicant, and whether the applicant specified that the variety is to be sold by variety name only as a class of certified seed.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §56, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1549; Pub. L. 96–574, §12, Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3350.)
1980—Pub. L. 96–574 inserted provisions relating to name of applicant and sale of the variety.
§2427. Publication
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §57, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1549; Pub. L. 96–574, §13, Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3350.)
1980—Pub. L. 96–574 inserted "information regarding" after "publication of".
§2441. Examination of application
The Secretary shall cause an examination to be made of the application and if on such examination it is determined that the applicant is entitled to plant variety protection under the law, the Secretary shall issue a notice of allowance of plant variety protection therefor as hereinafter provided.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §61, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1549.)
§2442. Notice of refusal; reconsideration
(a) Whenever an application is refused, or any objection or requirement made by the examiner, the Secretary shall notify the applicant thereof, stating the reasons therefor, together with such information and references as may be useful in judging the propriety of continuing the prosecution of the application; and if after receiving such notice the applicant requests reconsideration, with or without amendment, the application shall be reconsidered.
(b) For taking appropriate action after the mailing to an applicant of an action other than allowance, the applicant shall be allowed at least 30 days, and not more than 180 days, or such other time as the Secretary shall set in the refusal, or such time as the Secretary may allow as an extension. Without such extension, action may be taken up to three months late by paying an additional fee to be prescribed by the Secretary.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §62, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1549; Pub. L. 103–349, §§6, 13(j), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3140, 3143.)
1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–349 in first sentence substituted "mailing to an applicant" for "mailing to him", "the applicant shall" for "an applicant shall", "at least 30 days, and not more than 180 days" for "six months", "the Secretary shall" for "the Secretary in exceptional circumstances shall", and "as the Secretary may" for "as he may".
§2443. Initial appeal
When an application for plant variety protection has been refused by the Plant Variety Protection Office, the applicant may appeal to the Secretary. The Secretary shall seek the advice of the Plant Variety Protection Board on all appeals, before deciding the appeal.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §63, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1550.)
§2461. Appeals
From the decisions made under sections 2404, 2443, 2501, and 2568 of this title appeal may, within sixty days or such further times as the Secretary allows, be taken under the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit shall have jurisdiction of any such appeal.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §71, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1550; Pub. L. 97–164, title I, §145, Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 45; Pub. L. 103–349, §8(d)(1), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3141.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–349 struck out "2502," after "2501,".
1982—Pub. L. 97–164 substituted "The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit shall have jurisdiction of any such appeal" for "The Court of Customs and Patent Appeals and United States Courts of Appeals shall have jurisdiction, with venue in the case of the latter as stated in section 2343 of title 28".
§2462. Civil action against Secretary
An applicant dissatisfied with a decision under section 2443 or 2501 of this title, may, as an alternative to appeal, have remedy by civil action against the Secretary in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Such action shall be commenced within sixty days after such decision or within such further time as the Secretary allows. The court may, in the case of review of a decision by the Secretary refusing plant variety protection, adjudge that such applicant is entitled to receive a certificate of plant variety protection for the variety as specified in the application as the facts of the case may appear, on compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §72, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1550; Pub. L. 103–349, §13(k), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3143.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–349, which directed that the second sentence be amended by substituting "the variety as specified in the application" for "his variety as specified in his application", was executed by making the substitution in the third sentence, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
§2463. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–349, §8(c)(2), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3141
Section, Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §73, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1550; Pub. L. 103–349, §8(c)(1), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3140, related to appeal or civil action in contested cases. Prior to repeal, subsec. (b) of this section was transferred to section 2504 of this title by Pub. L. 103–349, §8(c)(1), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3140.
Repeal effective 180 days after Oct. 6, 1994, see section 15 of Pub. L. 103–349, set out as an Effective Date of 1994 Amendment note under section 2401 of this title.
§2481. Plant variety protection
(a) If it appears that a certificate of plant variety protection should be issued on an application, a written notice of allowance shall be given or mailed to the owner. The notice shall specify the sum, constituting the issue fee, which shall be paid within one month thereafter.
(b) Upon timely payment of this sum, and provided that deposit of seed has been made in accordance with section 2422(3) 1 of this title, the certificate of plant variety protection shall issue.
(c) If any payment required by this section is not timely made, but is submitted with an additional fee prescribed by the Secretary within nine months after the due date or within such further time as the Secretary may allow, it shall be accepted.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §81, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1551.)
Section 2422(3) of this title, referred to in subsec. (b), was redesignated section 2422(4) of this title by Pub. L. 103–349, §4, Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3139.
§2482. How issued
A certificate of plant variety protection shall be issued in the name of the United States of America under the seal of the Plant Variety Protection Office, and shall be signed by the Secretary or have the signature of the Secretary placed thereon, and shall be recorded in the Plant Variety Protection Office.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §82, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1551; Pub. L. 103–349, §13(l), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3143.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–349 substituted "the signature of the Secretary" for "his signature".
§2483. Contents and term of plant variety protection
(a) Certificate
(1) Every certificate of plant variety protection shall certify that the breeder (or the successor in interest of the breeder),1 has the right, during the term of the plant variety protection, to exclude others from selling the variety, or offering it for sale, or reproducing it, or importing it, or exporting it, or using it in producing (as distinguished from developing) a hybrid or different variety therefrom, to the extent provided by this chapter.
(2) If the owner so elects, the certificate shall—
(A) specify that seed of the variety shall be sold in the United States only as a class of certified seed; and
(B) if so specified, conform to the number of generations designated by the owner.
(3) An owner may waive a right provided under this subsection, other than a right that is elected by the owner under paragraph (2)(A).
(4) The Secretary may at the discretion of the Secretary permit such election or waiver to be made after certificating and amend the certificate accordingly, without retroactive effect.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the term of plant variety protection shall expire 20 years from the date of issue of the certificate in the United States, except that—
(A) in the case of a tuber propagated plant variety subject to a waiver granted under section 2402(a)(1)(B)(i) of this title, the term of the plant variety protection shall expire 20 years after the date of the original grant of the plant breeder's rights to the variety outside the United States; and
(B) in the case of a tree or vine, the term of the plant variety protection shall expire 25 years from the date of issue of the certificate.
If the certificate is not issued within three years from the effective filing date, the Secretary may shorten the term by the amount of delay in the prosecution of the application attributed by the Secretary to the applicant.
(c) Expiration upon failure to comply with regulations; notice
The term of plant variety protection shall also expire if the owner fails to comply with regulations, in force at the time of certificating, relating to replenishing seed in a public repository, or requiring the submission of a different name for the variety, except that this expiration shall not occur unless notice is mailed to the last owner recorded as provided in section 2531(d) of this title and the last owner fails, within the time allowed thereafter, not less than three months, to comply with said regulations, paying an additional fee to be prescribed by the Secretary.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §83, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1551; Pub. L. 96–574, §14, Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3350; Pub. L. 103–349, §§7, 13(m), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3140, 3143; Pub. L. 104–127, title IX, §913(b), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1186.)
1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–127, §913(b)(1), (2), inserted heading, designated first sentence as par. (1), inserted par. heading, substituted "Except as provided in paragraph (2), the term" for "The term", designated second sentence as par. (2), and inserted par. heading.
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 104–127, §913(b)(3), which directed the amendment of par. (2) by striking out "except that, in the case" and inserting "except that—", subpar. (A), and "(B) in the case", was executed to par. (1) to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–349, §7(1)(A), designated first through fourth sentences as pars. (1) to (4), respectively.
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–349, §13(m)(1)(A), which directed the substitution of "(or the successor in interest of the breeder)" for "(or his successor in interest) his heirs and assignees", was executed by making the substitution for "(or his successor in interest) his heirs or assignees", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Subsec. (a)(2), (3). Pub. L. 103–349, §7(1)(B), added pars. (2) and (3) and struck out former pars. (2) and (3) which read as follows:
"(2) If the owner so elects, the certificate shall also specify that in the United States, seed of the variety shall be sold by variety name only as a class of certified seed and, if specified, shall also conform to the number of generations designated by the owner.
"(3) Any rights, or all rights except those elected under the preceding sentence, may be waived; and the certificate shall conform to such waiver."
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 103–349, §13(m)(1)(B), substituted "the discretion of the Secretary" for "his discretion".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–349, §7(2), in first sentence substituted "20 years" for "eighteen years" and inserted before period at end ", except that, in the case of a tree or vine, the term of the plant variety protection shall expire 25 years from the date of issue of the certificate".
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–349, §§7(3), 13(m)(2), substituted "repository, or requiring the submission of a different name for the variety, except that" for "repository: Provided, however, That" and "the last owner" for "he" before "fails".
1980—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–574 substituted "eighteen" for "seventeen".
§2484. Correction of Plant Variety Protection Office mistake
Whenever a mistake in a certificate of plant variety protection incurred through the fault of the Plant Variety Protection Office is clearly disclosed by the records of the Office, the Secretary may issue, without charge, a corrected certificate of plant variety protection, stating the fact and nature of such mistake. Such certificate of plant variety protection shall have the same effect and operation in law as if the same had been originally issued in such corrected form.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §84, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1552; Pub. L. 96–574, §15, Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3350.)
1980—Pub. L. 96–574 substituted provisions relating to correction of Plant Variety Protection Office mistake for provisions relating to certificate of correction of Plant Variety Protection Office mistake.
§2485. Correction of applicant's mistake
Whenever a mistake of a clerical or typographical nature, or of minor character, or in the description of the variety, which was not the fault of the Plant Variety Protection Office, appears in a certificate of plant variety protection and a showing has been made that such mistake occurred in good faith, the Secretary may, upon payment of the required fee, issue a corrected certificate if the correction could have been made before the certificate issued. Such certificate of plant variety protection shall have the same effect and operation in law as if the same had been originally issued in such corrected form.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §85, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1552; Pub. L. 96–574, §16, Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3351.)
1980—Pub. L. 96–574 struck out applicability of section 2484 of this title to manner and form of certificate, and reference to trials of actions thereafter arising with respect to effect and operation in law of certificate.
§2486. Correction of named breeder
An error as to the naming of a breeder in the application, without deceptive intent, shall not affect validity of plant variety protection and may be corrected at any time by the Secretary in accordance with regulations established by the Secretary or upon order of a federal court before which the matter is called in question. Upon such correction the Secretary shall issue a certificate accordingly. Such correction shall not deprive any person of any rights the person otherwise would have had.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §86, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1552; Pub. L. 103–349, §13(n), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3143.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–349 substituted "the Secretary" for "him" in first sentence and "the person" for "he" in third sentence.
§2501. Reexamination after issue
(a) Any person may, within five years after the issuance of a certificate of plant variety protection, notify the Secretary in writing of facts which may have a bearing on the protectability of the variety, and the Secretary may cause such plant variety protection to be reexamined in the light thereof.
(b) Reexamination of plant variety protection under this section and appeals shall be pursuant to the same procedures and with the same rights as for original examinations. Abandonment of the procedure while subject to a ruling against the retention of the certificate shall result in cancellation of the plant variety certificate thereon and notice thereof shall be endorsed on copies of the description of the protected plant variety thereafter distributed by the Plant Variety Protection Office.
(c) If a person acting under subsection (a) makes a prima facie showing of facts needing proof, the Secretary may direct that the reexamination include such interparty proceedings as the Secretary shall establish.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §91, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1552; Pub. L. 96–574, §17, Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3351; Pub. L. 103–349, §13(o), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3144.)
1994—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–349 substituted "the Secretary" for "he".
1980—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–574 substituted "description" for "specification".
§§2502, 2503. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–349, §8(a), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3140
Section 2502, Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §92, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1553, related to priority contest.
Section 2503, Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §93, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1553; Pub. L. 96–574, §18, Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3351, related to effect of adverse final judgment or of nonaction.
§2504. Interfering plant variety protection
(a) The owner of a certificate of plant variety protection may have relief against another owner of a certificate of the same variety by civil action, and the court may adjudge the question of validity of the respective certificates, or the ownership of the certificate.
(b) Such suit may be instituted against the party in interest as shown by the record of the Plant Variety Protection Office at the time of the decision complained of, but any party in interest may become a party to the action. If there be adverse parties residing in a plurality of districts not embraced within the same State, or an adverse party residing in a foreign country, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, or any United States district court to which it may transfer the case, shall have jurisdiction and may issue summons against the adverse parties directed to the marshall of any district in which any adverse party resides. Summons against adverse parties residing in foreign countries may be served by publication or otherwise as the court directs. The Secretary shall not be made a party but the Secretary shall have the right to intervene. Judgment of the court in favor of the right of an applicant to plant variety protection shall authorize the Secretary to issue a certificate of plant variety protection on the filing in the Plant Variety Protection Office of a certified copy of the judgment and on compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title II, §92, formerly §94, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1553; renumbered §92 and amended Pub. L. 103–349, §§8(b), (c)(1), 13(p), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3140, 3144.)
The text of subsec. (b) of section 2463 of this title, which was transferred to subsec. (b) of this section by Pub. L. 103–349, §8(c)(1), was based on section 73(b) of Pub. L. 91–577, title II, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1550.
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–349, §8(b)(2), designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and struck out at end "The provisions of section 2463(b) of this title shall apply to actions brought under this section."
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–349, §§8(c)(1), 13(p), transferred subsec. (b) of section 2463 of this title to subsec. (b) of this section, and substituted "the Secretary" for "he" before "shall have" in fourth sentence. See Codification note above.
§2531. Ownership and assignment
(a) Subject to the provisions of this subchapter, plant variety protection shall have the attributes of personal property.
(d) An assignment, grant, conveyance or license shall be void as against any subsequent purchaser or mortgagee for a valuable consideration, without notice, unless it, or an acknowledgment thereof by the person giving such encumbrance that there is such encumbrance, is filed for recording in the Plant Variety Protection Office within one month from its date or at least one month prior to the date of such subsequent purchase or mortgage.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §101, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1554.)
§2532. Ownership during testing
An owner who, with notice that release is for testing only, releases possession of seed or other sexually reproducible or tuber propagable plant material for testing retains ownership with respect thereto; and any diversion from authorized testing, or any unauthorized retention, of such material by anyone who has knowledge that it is under such notice, or who is chargeable with notice, is prohibited, and violates the property rights of the owner. Anyone receiving the material tagged or labeled with the notice is chargeable with the notice. The owner is entitled to remedy and redress in a civil action hereunder. No remedy available by State or local law is hereby excluded. No such notice shall be used, or if used be effective, when the owner has made identical sexually reproducible or tuber propagable plant material available to the public, as by sale thereof.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §102, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1554; Pub. L. 103–349, §8(d)(2), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3141.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–349 inserted "or tuber propagable" after "sexually reproducible" in two places.
§2541. Infringement of plant variety protection
(a) Acts constituting infringement
Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, it shall be an infringement of the rights of the owner of a protected variety to perform without authority, any of the following acts in the United States, or in commerce which can be regulated by Congress or affecting such commerce, prior to expiration of the right to plant variety protection but after either the issue of the certificate or the distribution of a protected plant variety with the notice under section 2567 of this title:
(5) use seed which had been marked "Unauthorized Propagation Prohibited" or "Unauthorized Seed Multiplication Prohibited" or progeny thereof to propagate the variety;
(7) condition the variety for the purpose of propagation, except to the extent that the conditioning is related to the activities permitted under section 2543 of this title;
(b) Uses authorized by owner
(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the owner of a protected variety may authorize the use of the variety under this section subject to conditions and limitations specified by the owner.
(2) In the case of a contract between a seed producer and the owner of a protected variety of lawn, turf, or forage grass seed, or alfalfa or clover seed for the production of seed of the protected variety, the producer shall be deemed to be authorized by the owner to sell such seed and to use the variety if—
(3) Paragraph (2) shall apply to contracts entered into with respect to plant varieties protected under this chapter as in effect on the day before the effective date of this provision as well as plant varieties protected under this chapter as amended by the Plant Variety Protection Act Amendments of 1994.
(c) Applicability to certain plant varieties
This section shall apply equally to—
(4) harvested material (including entire plants and parts of plants) obtained through the unauthorized use of propagating material of a protected variety, unless the owner of the variety has had a reasonable opportunity to exercise the rights provided under this chapter with respect to the propagating material.
(d) Acts not considered infringing
It shall not be an infringement of the rights of the owner of a variety to perform any act concerning propagating material of any kind, or harvested material, including entire plants and parts of plants, of a protected variety that is sold or otherwise marketed with the consent of the owner in the United States, unless the act involves further propagation of the variety or involves an export of material of the variety, that enables the propagation of the variety, into a country that does not protect varieties of the plant genus or species to which the variety belongs, unless the exported material is for final consumption purposes.
(e) Private noncommercial uses
It shall not be an infringement of the rights of the owner of a variety to perform any act done privately and for noncommercial purposes.
(f) "Perform without authority" defined
As used in this section, the term "perform without authority" includes performance without authority by any State, any instrumentality of a State, and any officer or employee of a State or instrumentality of a State acting in the official capacity of the officer or employee. Any State, and any such instrumentality, officer, or employee, shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter in the same manner and to the same extent as any nongovernmental entity.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §111, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1554; Pub. L. 96–574, §19(a), Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3351; Pub. L. 102–560, §3(a), Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4231; Pub. L. 103–349, §§9, 13(q), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3141, 3144.)
The effective date of this provision, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), probably means the effective date of subsec. (b)(3), which was added by Pub. L. 103–349, effective 180 days after Oct. 6, 1994. See Effective Date of 1994 Amendment note set out under section 2401 of this title.
The Plant Variety Protection Act Amendments of 1994, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), is Pub. L. 103–349, Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3136. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1994 Amendment note set out under section 2321 of this title and Tables.
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–349, §9(1)(A), substituted "protected" for "novel" in two places in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–349, §9(1)(B), substituted "or market the protected" for "the novel".
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103–349, §9(1)(C), struck out "novel" before "variety".
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 103–349, §9(1)(C)–(E), inserted ", or propagate by a tuber or a part of a tuber," after "multiply", struck out "novel" before "variety", and struck out "or" at end.
Subsec. (a)(4) to (6). Pub. L. 103–349, §9(1)(C), (E), struck out "novel" before "variety" and struck out "or" at end.
Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 103–349, §9(1)(G), added par. (7). Former par. (7) redesignated (9).
Pub. L. 103–349, §9(1)(C), struck out "novel" before "variety".
Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 103–349, §9(1)(G), added par. (8). Former par. (8) redesignated (10).
Subsec. (a)(9), (10). Pub. L. 103–349, §9(1)(F), redesignated pars. (7) and (8) as (9) and (10), respectively.
Subsecs. (b) to (e). Pub. L. 103–349, §9(3), added subsecs. (b) to (e). Former subsec. (b) redesignated (f).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 103–349, §§9(2), 13(q), redesignated subsec. (b) as (f) and in first sentence substituted "the official capacity of the officer or employee" for "his official capacity".
1992—Pub. L. 102–560 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).
1980—Par. (5). Pub. L. 96–574 substituted " &apos;Unauthorized Propagation Prohibited&apos; or &apos;Unauthorized Seed Multiplication Prohibited&apos; " for " &apos;propagation prohibited&apos; ".
Pub. L. 102–560, §4, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4232, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [enacting section 2570 of this title and section 296 of Title 35, Patents, and amending this section and section 271 of Title 35] shall take effect with respect to violations that occur on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 1992]."
§2542. Grandfather clause
Nothing in this chapter shall abridge the right of any person, or the successor in interest of the person, to reproduce or sell a variety developed and produced by such person more than one year prior to the effective filing date of an adverse application for a certificate of plant variety protection.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §112, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1555; Pub. L. 103–349, §13(r), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3144.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–349 substituted "the successor in interest of the person" for "his successor in interest".
§2543. Right to save seed; crop exemption
Except to the extent that such action may constitute an infringement under subsections (3) and (4) of section 2541 1 of this title, it shall not infringe any right hereunder for a person to save seed produced by the person from seed obtained, or descended from seed obtained, by authority of the owner of the variety for seeding purposes and use such saved seed in the production of a crop for use on the farm of the person, or for sale as provided in this section. A bona fide sale for other than reproductive purposes, made in channels usual for such other purposes, of seed produced on a farm either from seed obtained by authority of the owner for seeding purposes or from seed produced by descent on such farm from seed obtained by authority of the owner for seeding purposes shall not constitute an infringement. A purchaser who diverts seed from such channels to seeding purposes shall be deemed to have notice under section 2567 of this title that the actions of the purchaser constitute an infringement.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §113, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1555; Pub. L. 103–349, §§10, 13(s), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3142, 3144.)
Subsections (3) and (4) of section 2541 of this title, referred to in text, probably means paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 2541 of this title, which were redesignated subsection (a)(3) and (4) of section 2541 of this title by Pub. L. 102–560, §3(a), Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4231.
1994—Pub. L. 103–349, §§10, 13(s)(1), in first sentence substituted "produced by the person" for "produced by him", "the farm of the person" for "his farm", and "section." for "section: Provided, That without regard to the provisions of section 2541(3) of this title it shall not infringe any right hereunder for a person, whose primary farming occupation is the growing of crops for sale for other than reproductive purposes, to sell such saved seed to other persons so engaged, for reproductive purposes, provided such sale is in compliance with such State laws governing the sale of seed as may be applicable."
Pub. L. 103–349, §13(s)(2), substituted "the actions of the purchaser" for "his actions" in third sentence.
§2544. Research exemption
The use and reproduction of a protected variety for plant breeding or other bona fide research shall not constitute an infringement of the protection provided under this chapter.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §114, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1555.)
§2545. Intermediary exemption
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §115, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1555.)
§2561. Remedy for infringement of plant variety protection
An owner shall have remedy by civil action for infringement of plant variety protection under section 2541 of this title. If a variety is sold under the name of a variety shown in a certificate, there is a prima facie presumption that it is the same variety.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §121, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1556; Pub. L. 103–349, §13(t), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3144.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–349 struck out "his" before "plant" in first sentence.
§2562. Presumption of validity; defenses
(b) The following shall be defenses in any action charging infringement and shall be pleaded: (1) noninfringement, absence of liability for infringement, or unenforceability; (2) invalidity of the plant variety protection in suit on any ground specified in section 2402 of this title as a condition for protectability; (3) invalidity of the plant variety protection in suit for failure to comply with any requirement of section 2422 of this title; (4) that the asserted infringement was performed under an existing certificate adverse to that asserted and prior to notice of the infringement; and (5) any other fact or act made a defense by this chapter.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §122, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1556.)
§2563. Injunction
The several courts having jurisdiction of cases under this subchapter may grant injunctions in accordance with the principles of equity to prevent the violation of any right hereunder on such terms as the court deems reasonable.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §123, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1556.)
§2564. Damages
(d) As to infringement prior to, or resulting from a planting prior to, issuance of a certificate for the infringed variety, a court finding the infringer to have established innocent intentions, shall have discretion as to awarding damages.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §124, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1556.)
§2565. Attorney fees
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §125, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1556.)
§2566. Time limitation on damages
(b) In the case of claims against the United States Government for unauthorized use of a protected variety, the period between the date of receipt of written claim for compensation by the department or agency of the Government having authority to settle such claim, and the date of mailing by the Government of a notice to the claimant that the claim has been denied shall not be counted as part of the period referred to in the preceding paragraph.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §126, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1556; Pub. L. 103–349, §13(u), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3144.)
1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–349 substituted "the" for "his" before "claim has been denied".
§2567. Limitation of damages; marking and notice
Owners may give notice to the public by physically associating with or affixing to the container of seed of a variety or by fixing to the variety, a label containing either the words "Unauthorized Propagation Prohibited" or the words "Unauthorized Seed Multiplication Prohibited" and after the certificate issues, such additional words as "U.S. Protected Variety". In the event the variety is distributed by authorization of the owner and is received by the infringer without such marking, no damages shall be recovered against such infringer by the owner in any action for infringement, unless the infringer has actual notice or knowledge that propagation is prohibited or that the variety is a protected variety, in which event damages may be recovered only for infringement occurring after such notice. As to both damages and injunction, a court shall have discretion to be lenient as to disposal of materials acquired in good faith by acts prior to such notice.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §127, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1557; Pub. L. 96–574, §19(b), Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3351; Pub. L. 103–349, §11, Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3142.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–349 in first sentence struck out "novel" before "variety or" and before "variety, a", and in second sentence struck out "novel" before "variety is distributed".
1980—Pub. L. 96–574 substituted "either the words &apos;Unauthorized Propagation Prohibited&apos; or the words &apos;Unauthorized Seed Multiplication Prohibited&apos; " for "the words &apos;Propagation Prohibited&apos; ".
§2568. False marking; cease and desist orders
(a) Each of the following acts, if performed in connection with the sale, offering for sale, or advertising of sexually reproducible plant material or tubers or parts of tubers, is prohibited, and the Secretary may, if the Secretary determines after an opportunity for hearing that the act is being so performed, issue an order to cease and desist, said order being binding unless appealed under section 2461 of this title:
(1) Use of the words "U.S. Protected Variety" or any word or number importing that the material is a variety protected under certificate, when it is not.
(3) Use of either the phrase "Unauthorized Propagation Prohibited" or "Unauthorized Seed Multiplication Prohibited" or similar phrase without reasonable basis. Any reasonable basis expires one year after the first sale of the variety except as justified thereafter by a pending application or a certificate still in force.
(c) Anyone whose business is damaged or is likely to be damaged by an act prohibited in subsection (a) of this section, or is subjected to competition in connection with which such act is performed, may have remedy by civil action.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §128, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1557; Pub. L. 96–574, §19(c), Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3352; Pub. L. 103–349, §§12, 13(v), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3142, 3144.)
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–349 inserted "or tubers or parts of tubers" after "plant material" and substituted "if the Secretary determines" for "if he determines" in introductory provisions, and added par. (4).
1980—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 96–574 substituted provisions respecting prohibitions for use of phrases "Unauthorized Propagation Prohibited" and "Unauthorized Seed Multiplication Prohibited" for provisions respecting prohibitions for use of phrase "propagation prohibited".
§2569. Nonresident proprietors; service and notice
Every owner not residing in the United States may file in the Plant Variety Protection Office a written designation stating the name and address of a person residing within the United States on whom may be served process or notice of proceedings affecting the plant variety protection or rights thereunder. If the person designated cannot be found at the address given in the last designation, or if no person has been designated, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia shall have jurisdiction and summons shall be served by publication or otherwise as the court directs. The court shall have the same jurisdiction to take any action respecting the plant variety protection, or rights thereunder that it would have if the owner were personally within the jurisdiction of the court.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §129, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1557.)
§2570. Liability of States, instrumentalities of States, and State officials for infringement of plant variety protection
(a) Any State, any instrumentality of a State, and any officer or employee of a State or instrumentality of a State acting in the official capacity of the officer or employee, shall not be immune, under the eleventh amendment of the Constitution of the United States or under any other doctrine of sovereign immunity, from suit in Federal court by any person, including any governmental or nongovernmental entity, for infringement of plant variety protection under section 2541 of this title, or for any other violation under this subchapter.
(b) In a suit described in subsection (a) for a violation described in that subsection, remedies (including remedies both at law and in equity) are available for the violation to the same extent as such remedies are available for such a violation in a suit against any private entity. Such remedies include damages, interest, costs, and treble damages under section 2564 of this title, and attorney fees under section 2565 of this title.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §130, as added Pub. L. 102–560, §3(b), Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4231; amended Pub. L. 103–349, §13(w), Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3144.)
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–349 substituted "the official capacity of the officer or employee" for "his official capacity".
Section effective with respect to violations that occur on or after Oct. 28, 1992, see section 4 of Pub. L. 102–560, set out as an Effective Date of 1992 Amendment note under section 2541 of this title.
§2581. Intent
It is the intent of Congress to provide the indicated protection for new varieties by exercise of any constitutional power needed for that end, so as to afford adequate encouragement for research, and for marketing when appropriate, to yield for the public the benefits of new varieties. Constitutional clauses 3 and 8 of article I, section 8 are both relied upon.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §131, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1558.)
§2582. Severability
If this chapter is held unconstitutional as to some provisions or circumstances, it shall remain in force as to the remaining provisions and other circumstances.
(Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §132, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1558.)
§2583. Repealed. Pub. L. 96–574, §20, Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3352
Section, Pub. L. 91–577, title III, §144, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1559, exempted certain plants from provisions of this chapter.