The International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV)
UPOV news
Registrations open: learn about the UPOV system of plant variety protection and the examination of applications for plant breeders’ rights.
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Upcoming meetings and events
UPOV sessions: Program of the week
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Enlarged Editorial Committee
October 14 and 16, 2025
(Geneva, Switzerland)
Technical Committee
October 20 to October 21, 2025
(Geneva, Switzerland)
Meeting on Electronic Applications
October 21, 2025
(Geneva, Switzerland)
Administrative and Legal Committee
October 22, 2025 (morning)
(Geneva, Switzerland)
Seminar on cooperation with breeders in DUS examination
October 22, 2025 (afternoon)
(Geneva, Switzerland)
Working group on harvested material and unauthorized use of propagating material
October 22, 2025 (evening)
(Geneva, Switzerland)
Consultative Committee
October 23, 2025
(Geneva, Switzerland)
Council
October 24, 2025
(Geneva, Switzerland)
UPOV’s purpose is to provide and promote an effective system of plant variety protection that encourages the development of new plant varieties for the benefit of society.
By granting breeders intellectual property rights known as breeders’ rights, UPOV fosters innovation in agriculture, supports food security, and contributes to sustainable development.
Our impact in numbers
95%
of all applications for plant variety protection are covered by 341 UPOV Test Guidelines.
562,370
Plant variety applications filed by UPOV members, reflecting ongoing investment in innovation shaping the future of agriculture.
80
UPOV members covering 99 States, demonstrating the global reach and adoption of the UPOV system for plant variety protection.
Upcoming meetings and events
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Enlarged Editorial Committee
January 13 and 16, 2026
Virtual meeting
Meeting on Electronic Applications
March 16, 2026
Virtual meeting
Working group on harvested material and unauthorized use of propagating material
March 19, 2026
Virtual meeting
Consultative Group on UPOV Resources Strategy
March 18, 2026
Virtual meeting
Technical Working Party for Vegetables
May 18 to 21, 2026
Pacific Grove, California, United States of America
Hybrid meeting
Technical Working Party on Testing Methods and Techniques
June 2 to 5, 2026
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Hybrid meeting
Upcoming webinars
UPOV e-PVP day : Focus on United Kingdom
February 4, 2026
9.00 to 11:00 (GMT)
Public webinar
UPOV e-PVP day : Focus on United Kingdom
February 4, 2026
9.00 to 11:00 (GMT)
Public webinar
UPOV services
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UPOV PRISMA
Online tool for making applications to PVP Offices
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PLUTO Search
The PLUTO Plant Variety Database contains information on plant varieties from UPOV members and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
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UPOV e-PVP Exchange
Platform for PVP offices to exchange DUS (Distinctiveness, Uniformity, Stability) reports
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UPOV e-PVP Administration
Digitalized system for PVP offices to manage applications and grants, communicate with applicants and holders, publish information and transmit data to the PLUTO Database