b'PROTECTING INNOVATIONWhy is IP EnforcementStronger/Easier in U.S. Row Crops?WHILE MANY MAYnot realize it, intellectuallicensing approach is that one could create an author-property rights without enforcement are justized distribution system where only entities or individu-another exercise in futility. Having plant breedersals who were authorized could be licensed to use these rights (U.S. plant variety protection), utility patents,seed innovations for one crop planting. This addressed plant patents, trademarks or even trade secrets isboth annual (i.e: soy, cotton, corn) and perennial crops nice, but until one enforces their IP rights, we really(i.e: alfalfa) scenarios.dont have a functioning IPR system. Much like havingAuthorized distribution networks have many a home with children without any rules and conse- players including licensees, seed dealers, seed pro-ELOY CORONA quences, a system without a long-term goal of respectduction companies, growers as well as processors in is the executivefor individuals/entities rights will be chaos. Its thecases where quality traits are involved in closed loop director of the Seedsame with not enforcing speeding zones aroundsystems. This type of authorized distribution system Innovation andschools/construction zones or just law-breakingallows the IP owner to ensure high quality germplasm Protection Alliancebehavior in many of our larger troubled cities that havedevelopment, production, packaging, and branding to (SIPA). moved away from holding individuals accountable. ensure a consistently high-quality experience for the Seed innovations are the result of long-term com- seed customer on the farm.mitments from seed companies, university breeding/ Because the authorized distribution system foundation seed companies and the many entities co- depends on U.S. contractual law utilizing licenses developing these fascinating advancements that helpthat cover critical terms about what can and cannot feed, fuel and cloth our global family. Private compa- be done with that seed innovation, IP enforcement nies make long term commitments of ~15% (generallypathways are clearer for IP owners. Granted, there are 8-30%) of revenues over 7-16 years to develop innova- still many challenges with enforcement mostly around tions (varieties, hybrids, traits, seed treatments, micro- legally attained evidence, but much legal precedence bial solutions) that are critical to our population todayhas been established in the last two decades that as well into the future. has had a profound impact on crop productivity Yes, there have been several instances of IPRand yields. U.S. Row Crops with the help of novel IP infringements that have been enforced due to specialenforcement approaches have significantly grown situations both publicly and privately. However, Id likethe pie compared to crops with weaker IP implemen-to make the point that more IP enforcement is hap- tations. New plant breeding techniques which are pening in row crops because of the value created byestimated to be cheaper and quicker (ie. ~$10M and adopting different approaches than what was the norm~5 years) to bring to market are speeding up the rate two decades ago. of innovation which is critical to OUR challenge of Licensing of intellectual property versus selling wasProducing more with less. a pivotal moment in the U.S. seed sector beginningSIPA maintains an anonymous and confiden-around 1996. The concept is monumental from thetial TipLine for reporting of seed infringement. Call standpoint that contractual law was linked to intellec- 1-844-SEEDTIP (844-733-3847) or report online attual property protection in ways that made it easier tohttps://www.seedipalliance.com/tip-line-help/.SWenforce against infringers. The main premise under a 78/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2023'