Resolution No. 35/24 approving for ratification the Protocol for the Protection of New Varieties of Seeds - Improved Seed Breeders' and Seed Breeders' Rights of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The accession of the Republic of Angola to this Protocol is extremely important for the establishment of an effective system for the protection of new seed varieties, as well as the need to adopt common strategies and programmes aimed at fostering economic development and growth and guaranteeing food security. The objectives of this Protocol are as follows: a) create conditions for the establishment of an effective system for the protection of seed varieties; b) promote the development of new seed varieties for the benefit of the Region; and c) create conditions for the protection of the Improved Seed Breeders' and Seed Breeders' Rights. This Protocol shall apply to all seed genera and species. Improved Seed Breeders' and Seed Breeders' Rights, granted under this Protocol shall, on the basis of an application, be valid in all States Parties. This Protocol shall be without prejudice to the right of States Parties to grant Breeders' and Breeders' Rights through their own national legislation.
The Registrar shall keep the Registry of Improved Seed Breeders' and Seed Breeders' Rights, in which all information required to be recorded under this Protocol shall be entered. For each registered variety, the information to be kept in the registry shall include specific requirements. At any time after the expiry of the period of three years from the date of the grant of a Improved Seed Breeders' or Breeder's Right under this Protocol, any interested person may, in the prescribed manner and upon payment of the prescribed fees, apply to the Registrar for a compulsory licence in respect of a specific breeder's right.