Plant Name Protection
With over 100 years’ experience registering and protecting trade marks and plant names, DCC understands the challenges and opportunities presented in horticultural industries. We advise on selecting and protecting trade marks, using those trade marks properly on labels with plant variety names, entering into agreements with others for use of your trade marks or resolving disputes over misuse of your trade marks and plant variety names.
Trade Marks v Plant Variety Names
Trade marks are different to a Plant Variety Name. Trade marks can assist plant breeders and horticulturalists to increase sales by differentiating their products from those of competitors.
In the plant industry, using trade marks in association with plants varieties is common. However, breeders frequently make the mistake of using an invented name of a variety as the trade mark. Plant name varieties or synonyms on the plant breeder’s rights (PBR) register cannot be protected as trade marks. Selecting a unique trade mark for your plant variety will help distinguish your plants from competitors and protect your goodwill.
Our Services
We work with plant breeders and horticulturalists to maximize the return on their new plant varieties. We also have a strong experience in enforcement and can assist in dispute resolution between plant growers.
Our team can assist with: