Protection by Patent
Unlike patents that apply to processes or applications, Plant Variety Certificates (PVC) cover products, i.e. plants and their genetic identity. Consequently, a plant cannot be patented.
However, with the development of biotechnology, it is now possible to introduce genes with patentable functions.
SICASOV manages these patents through the plants that carry the relevant functions.
Protection by trademark:
A trademark can be registered in conjunction with a protection by COV.
This option is particularly interesting for ornamental or fruit species where varieties can be grouped by category.
SICASOV manages and monitors the use of these registered trademarks.