Finding the balance? Exploring solutions in the debate concerning patents and plant breeders’ rights

Due to the emergence of modern biotechnology, an imbalance between patents and plant breeders’ rights has arisen.

Patenting of plant-related traits limits breeders’ access to biological material for further plant breeding.

Different EU Member States, stakeholders and the European Parliament have expressed their concern regarding this situation, especially after a ruling of the Enlarged Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office last year on the patentability of products resulting from essential biological processes.

In order to find a way to restore the balance, the Netherlands Presidency of the Council of the European Union will host a symposium in conjunction with the European Commission to discuss the issue with both Member States and stakeholders, and explore possible ways forward.

Participation is by invitation only.