Regulation on the protection of breeders’ rights for new plant species.

This Regulation provides for the procedures and principles regarding the development of new plant varieties and protection of their breeders. Turkish citizens or residents, individuals and companies may ask for protection under the UPOV Agreement. Those who do not fit into this category but are citizens of countries that grant such rights to Turkish citizens are also protected as per the principle of reciprocity. The protection period for breeders’ rights is 25 years as of registration date. This is 30 years for trees, vines and potatoes. Companies and individuals who wish to benefit from breeders’ rights must apply to the General Directorate of Protection and Controlling of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Procedures for such application are given in the Regulation. Following the acceptance of the application, the name given to the species by granting breeder’s rights becomes its general name and is registered. Third parties are allowed to raise objection within 30 days as of its registration. Compulsory licensing could be applied to registered species if and when a species is considered important for public benefit. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs sets up a breeders’ registration log covering the names and details of the species and their breeder’s whose rights are protected.