The International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) has expressed serious concern over the European Parliament’s proposal to ban patents for all plants obtained through New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). Adopted on 7 February 2024, the proposal by the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) seeks to amend the EU Biotech Directive to prohibit patents covering NGT plants, their material, genetic information, and process features.
AIPPI, representing over 8,000 members in more than 110 countries, warns that the proposed ban is disproportionately broad, vague, and counterproductive. It argues that patents are essential to foster innovation, encourage public disclosure of technical knowledge, and maintain Europe’s global competitiveness in biotechnology. Without adequate patent protection, investment in agricultural research and development will decline, hindering progress in sustainable and climate-resilient crop technologies.
AIPPI emphasizes that Plant Variety Rights cannot substitute for patents, as they neither protect technical contributions nor require disclosure of innovations. Existing legal mechanisms, such as research and breeder exemptions, already safeguard the interests of farmers and breeders.
AIPPI urges the European Parliament, Commission, and Council to conduct a comprehensive impact study and consult all affected stakeholders before enacting measures that could jeopardize Europe’s biotechnology leadership and innovation ecosystem.
