Plant Variety Protection

Application Process

ARUSHA Protocol for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants 


The Arusha Protocol for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants was adopted by the Diplomatic Conference of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) in Arusha, Tanzania, on July 6, 2015. The Administrative Council of ARIPO later adopted the implementing Regulations in Lilongwe, Malawi, on November 22, 2017.

Upon being ratified by the required number of Member States, the Protocol entered into force on November 24, 2024. The following Member States have deposited their instruments of Ratification or Accession to the Protocol: Cape Verde, Ghana, Rwanda, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

The coming into force of the Protocol is an important milestone for Africa's agricultural and horticultural sectors. This significant development means that, with effect from November 24, 2024, plant breeders can apply for the grant of plant breeders' rights at the ARIPO Office which is empowered to grant breeders’ rights on behalf of the Contracting States.

The Protocol aims to encourage innovation and protection in plant breeding, ensuring breeders receive recognition and rewards for their efforts. With enhanced legal protection, breeders are expected to introduce new, high-yielding, and resilient plant varieties, boosting the region's agricultural productivity and food security. Breeders can now submit their applications for plant breeders' rights, creating new opportunities for agricultural advancement.

Registration of new plant varieties will strengthen the agricultural sector by providing farmers and consumers with access to improved plant varieties that offer better yields, enhanced disease resistance, and greater adaptability to climate change. Additionally, it will ensure that the hard work and creativity of plant breeders are recognized and rewarded.

Application Process

An application for grant of breeder’s right may be filed by a breeder or an agent by submitting Form PVP1 which is available at this link. Applications should be submitted by email to registry@aripo.org  

Laws and Legislation

The Arusha Protocol for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants was adopted in Arusha, the United Republic of Tanzania, on 6 July 2015.

Four Member States, namely Cabo Verde, Ghana, Rwanda, Sào Tomé, and Príncipe, have deposited their instruments of ratification or accession with the Director General of ARIPO. Thus, the Protocol will enter into force on 24 November 2024, 12 months after the fourth Member State, Ghana, deposited its instrument of ratification on 24 November 2023.

Once in force, the Protocol will enable ARIPO to grant and protect breeders’ rights and administer such rights on behalf of the designated contracting States.

DOWNLOAD THE ARUSHA PROTOCOL FOR THE PROTECTION OF NEW VARIETIES OF PLANTS

What is Plant Varieties Protection?

Plant Varieties Protection involves the protection of breeders’ rights and applies to all plant genera and species. PVP allows farmers to access a wide range of improved varieties to contribute to the attainment of food security and economic development.