Varietal innovation, research and protection
Innovation in the agri-food sector increasingly relies on genetic improvement, plant breeding and the development of new varieties. LGV assists breeders, seed companies, agri-food sector operators, innovative start-ups and investors in the protection, promotion and exploitation of new plant varieties, supporting them through every stage of the protection process.
We provide assistance with the administrative procedures required to obtain plant variety protection, at both national and European level, in proceedings before the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) and the relevant Italian authorities, coordinating relations with the bodies responsible for conducting the technical tests necessary to verify the requirements of novelty, distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS), and handling the documentation required throughout the entire registration process.
We also assist clients in drafting and negotiating contracts for the research, development and commercialisation of new varieties, governing ownership of the results, the management of intellectual property rights, the allocation of commercial exploitation rights and confidentiality aspects.
LGV Avvocati has gained specific experience in structuring collaboration agreements for the development of varieties using genome editing, New Genomic Techniques (NGT), CRISPR and other advanced genetic improvement techniques.
We also handle disputes relating to plant varieties, acting on behalf of both rights holders and users, including the management of contractual and commercial issues connected with the exploitation of new varieties.