Publications
Seed patents: A huge challenge for the European Union
Analysis of the problem, case studies and potential solutions
Research report October 2024
How CRISPR patents block conventional breeding
New NO PATENTS ON SEEDS! research into international patent applications published in 2023 shows how CRISPR/Cas technology and new genetic engineering (NGTs) are being used to extend patent protection to conventionally-bred plants.
June 2024
How patents block the breeding of tomatoes resistant to the harmful Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus
Research carried out by No Patents on Seeds! shows how CRISPR/Cas technology is being used to undermine the freedom to operate for conventional tomato breeders. It was found, in particular, that patents are having a detrimental effect on conventional breeding efforts to produce tomatoes resistant to the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus. The plant pathogen was first described in 2015 in Jordan and Israel and it has been spreading rapidly ever since. It mostly affects tomato and pepper plants and takes its name from the wrinkly spots (rugose) that appear on the fruits.
April 2024
Patents on conventionally-bred lettuce reveal European dilemma
The European Patent Office (EPO) has scheduled a hearing for 7 February on an opposition filed by No Patents on Seeds! against a patent granted on conventionally-bred lettuce (EP2966992). This backgrounder has been compiled to provide information on the patent being opposed; it also provides an overview of other patent applications filed for conventionally-bred lettuce. It also discusses options for licencing contracts.
February 2024
The future of plant breeding is under threat in Europe
Current interpretation of patent law is insufficient to stop patents on conventional breeding
Final version of the report, July 2023
Correct legal interpretation of Article 53(b), EPC, within the context of the EU patent directive 98/44
This report gives a detailed interpretation of the new Rule 28 (2) of the Implementing Regulation of the European Patent Convention adopted in 2017 in the context of the EU patent directive 98/44
March 2023
Patents filed by KWS are a threat to plant breeding in Europe
KWS is filing increasing numbers of patents on conventionally-bred plants and plant genes
Report No Patents on Seeds!, December 2022
Patents on genes and genetic variations can block access to biological diversity for plant breeding
Patent research conducted in 2021 shows how industry is trying to patent genes, plants, seeds and food (Report June 2022)
Find the report and the French / Spanish / German summary here
Background: New applications for patents on barley
March 2022
Overview of patent applications filed for conventionally-bred barley up until the end of 2021
Patents on livestock – a threat to breeding and agriculture in Europe
November 2021
Patents on lifestock - a threat to breeding and agriculture in Europe
Patents on CRISPR/Cas are threatening traditional breeding
October 2021
Stop patents on our foodplants! (2021)
Research into patent applications conducted in 2020 shows how the industry is escaping prohibitions in patent law.
Eleven reasons why Europe needs to ban patents on food plants and farm animals
New applications for patents on conventional plant and animal breeding (2020)
The report gives an overview of patent applications filed for conventional plant and animal breeding between
2018 and 2019, which may be granted by the European Patent Office in the next few years.
Elleve grunde til at Europa er nødt til at forbyde patenter på planter og dyr til fødevareproduktion (Danish)
Der er nye ansøgninger om patenter på planter og dyr på vej – også patenter
på planter og dyr, som er forædlet eller fremavlet ved traditionelle forædlingsmetoder (2020)
Denne rapport giver et indblik i de patentansøgninger, der er indgivet på traditionelt forædlede planter og dyr i
2018 og 2019 og som måske vil blive godkendt af den Europæiske Patent Organisation i løbet af de næste par år.
Résumé en français du rapport 2020
Résumé en français du rapport "Eleven reasons why Europe needs to ban patents on food plants and farm animals. New applications for patents on conventional plant and animal breeding" (2020)
No patents on seeds!
Overview 2018-2019: No patents on seeds! End the legal chaos at the European Patent Office! Conventional breeding must be free of patent claims.
No Patents On Seeds Rapport 2019 (Danish)
Stop det juridiske kaos i den Europæiske Patent Organisation!Traditionel planteforædling skal friholdes fra patentering.
‘Invented’ and patented: from ‘seed to meat’; from ‘maize to milk’
Patent applications covering everything from the animal feed to the final product are increasing.
Patents on Animals for Food Production
Overview of patents on animals and animal breeding, which have been granted by the EPO during the last years.
No patents on broccoli, barley and beer!
In January 2018, NO PATENTS ON SEEDS! issued a new report which shows that the European Patent Office continues to grant patents on conventionally bred plants - despite the fact that in 2017, the contracting states had tried to tighten the relevant bans.
Patent applications on conventionally bred plants
The report, published in 2016, provides an overview of recent developments concerning patents on conventionally bred plants - i.a. on new strategies of the industry and the European Patent Office, current patent applications and their political and legal background.
