The International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) has launched a new version of the e-PVP DUS Report Exchange Module, further strengthening international cooperation in plant variety protection (PVP).
The Exchange Module is a user-friendly online tool that allows UPOV members to share DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability) examination reports.
These reports are a critical part of assessing whether a new plant variety qualifies for protection under the UPOV system. By enabling PVP offices to request and utilize existing DUS reports from other UPOV members, the module promotes efficiency, reduces duplication of efforts, and supports timely decision-making.
"I believe cooperation in DUS examination enhances the UPOV system and promotes access to new plant varieties. The shorter breeding time and commercial cycle of some new varieties encourage UPOV members to find faster, cost-effective ways to grant titles. I’m convinced the Exchange Module will boost cooperation between PVP offices and help farmers and growers access new varieties more quickly.”
UPOV Vice Secretary-General Yolanda Huerta
The latest version of the module, released on April 14, 2025, introduces improvements that make the process of requesting and sharing DUS reports seamless through an automated procedure. This update is expected to boost collaboration among PVP Offices and encourage wider adoption of the system.
The UPOV e-PVP DUS Report Exchange Module can be used by PVP offices in UPOV Members. In addition, future UPOV members having already received a positive advice from the UPOV Council on the conformity of their legislation with the UPOV Convention, could use UPOV e-PVP for a trial period of three years, subject to resources by the UPOV Office.
So far, eleven UPOV members have signed up to use the DUS Report Exchange Module:
- Brazil
- Canada
- European Union- Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO)
- Japan
- Morocco
- Netherlands (Kingdom of)
- New Zealand
- Türkiye
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Viet Nam
Some UPOV members are already seeing the benefits. Viet Nam and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have successfully used the tool to complete seven DUS report exchanges—demonstrating its practical value in supporting streamlined, harmonized plant variety examinations.
The UPOV e-PVP software package has been developed by UPOV in cooperation with members of UPOV and plant breeders. The aim is to deliver a high-quality electronic system for members digitalizing procedures, and who find it effective to rely on the existing UPOV e-PVP modules for processing and managing applications for plant variety rights.
To learn more about UPOV's e-PVP platform and DUS cooperation, visit: https://www.upov.int/upovepvp/en/index.html