From 1 October new set-up Plant Breeder's Rights training course

Publicationdate: 16 augustus 2023

Would you like to know more about Plant Breeders' Rights systems? Then follow our extensive and English-language online program about Plant Breeders' Rights. From 1 October 2023 you can start this training on 'Plant Breeders' Rights for food security and economic development' on a monthly basis.

Key aspects of the UPOV PVP system are covered

We bundled 25 years of training experience in the field of Plant Breeders' Rights systems in an extensive online programme. This English-language program consists of eight e-learning modules. The modules cover several essential topics, such as the meaning and benefits of a (harmonised) plant variety rights system, the legal framework established by the UPOV convention, administrative procedures, different PBR systems, the background and practicalities of DUS testing, the use of molecular techniques in PBR, enforcement, exceptions to the rights, and the relationship between PBR and seed collection systems, as well as genetic resource treaties.

Extensive program in eight online modules

The structure of the program is as follows:

Module 1 - Plant Breeders' Rights: Importance and Benefits
Module 2 - Legal framework, UPOV convention
Module 3 - Administrative aspects, PBR systems
Module 4 - Technical DUS examination part 1
Module 5 - Technical DUS examination part 2
Module 6 - Enforcement of rights, non-commercial use exceptions and FSS
Module 7 - European PBR, Seed Collection Systems, Genetic Resources Policy
Module 8 - Roadmap for Implementing a PBR System (Optional Assignment)

Each module offers a diverse learning experience with reading materials, interactive assignments, presentations and videos from experts from around the world. The program is linear. This means that you take an online test at the end of each module, before moving on to the next module.

Module 8 is an optional assignment in which participants are invited to create a roadmap for the implementation of their country's PBR system, with specific goals and a timetable. Our DUS team is happy to review the roadmap and provide feedback.

The program offers a total of 80 hours of teaching material. All content is in English. After completing the course you will receive a certificate. The program will remain available to you for six months.

Learn more of register?

Back to overview