Boult Wade Tennant
Service » Global plant breeders’ rights and national listings

We have a growing practice and specialist expertise in supporting major horticultural and biopharma clients in relation to plant breeders’ rights and national listings. The team is equipped to assist clients in national listings for plant varieties within the UK as well as obtaining rights across Europe. We also offer expert advice on the potential infringement risks associated with plant variety rights held by third parties.

 

What we do

Secure and preserve
  • We have significant experience in filing and prosecuting applications for plant breeders’ rights (known as plant variety rights in some countries) and national listings in the UK for our clients.
  • In this regard, we regularly act before the Plant Variety Rights Office of the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and have filed many applications using UPOV PRISMA.
  • We are regularly appointed as agent for existing UK plant breeders’ rights, particularly those created when the UK left the EU, and based upon former corresponding Community plant variety rights.
  • We are also able to coordinate the filing of plant variety right and national listing applications outside of the UK, including in the EU.

Technical toolkits

Services

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Patents

Our European, UK and German experts advise on the creation, exploitation and enforcement of IP rights across a wide range of sectors. They provide creative IP solutions and outstanding client service.

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Trade marks

Our highly skilled experts are experienced negotiators and have particular expertise in the management of large portfolios; searching and watching; domain name recovery; and trading standards and customs work.

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Designs

The team can advise clients across a wide range of industries on matters of design law and practice. They combine their commercial knowledge with legal expertise to provide high quality advice that is always pragmatic.

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Insights

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IP updates
Earth Day 2026

With e-waste up 82% since 2010, biodegradable batteries offer a sustainable path forward. We explore advances in 3D-printed polymers and zinc-based "Ziggy" batteries for a greener future.

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IP updates
New guidance issued on Registered Design Protection for animated sequences and GUIs in the UK

The UKIPO has published a new Designs Practice Notice (DPN) regarding GUI and animated sequence protection. Explore key filing strategies, disclaimer usage and risks to priority claims.

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IP updates
Jo Loves and David Lloyd: when founders’ names outgrow their owners

Estée Lauder’s suit against Jo Malone CBE and Zara highlights the risks founders face when their names become trade marks. A look at the "fault line" between personal identity and commercial law.

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IP updates
The Unitary Patent Guidelines April 2026 update

The 2026 Unitary Patent Guidelines introduce refinements across nearly all sections, improving procedural clarity and legal detail as confidence grows in the UPC system.

INSIGHTS

Patents