Plant Variety Protection and Seed Act (Law No. 83 of 1998).

This Law aims to promote the breeding of plant varieties and the distribution of seeds in Japan. It provides a system relating to the registration of plant varieties and protection of new plant varieties. There are also provisions related to the labeling of designated seeds and seedlings aiming to promote the development of agriculture (sect. 50). The Act consists of 4 Chapters; General provisions (1); Variety registration system (2); Designated seeds and seedlings (3) and Penal provisions (4).
Applications and registrations for varieties must be made to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. A breeder's right shall be granted by registration of the variety and is valid for 20 years from the date of registration.