Subject to administrative and technical examinations, a new variety can be covered by a specific protection, the Plant Variety Certificate or PVC, granted for a period of 25 to 30 years depending on the species.
This right confers an exclusivity of exploitation on the holder and the right to prohibit the use of his variety by a third party without his authorization.
However, unlike patented varieties, PVC-protected varieties can be freely used to create new varieties, thereby promoting access to genetic diversity.
In addition, certain species of protected varieties may be reproduced by farmers subject to compliance with the legal conditions (farm-saved seed exemption).
The national PVC is issued by INOV, the Community PVC is issued by CPVO.