Section 1 defines, inter alia, "breeder", "essential characteristics", and variety". The Act shall apply in relation to every variety of any prescribed kind of plant if it is new, distinct, uniform and stable (sect. 2). Plants to which he Act applies shall be prescribed by Regulation. Section 2 subsequently defines "new", "distinct", "uniform", and "stable". The Minister shall designate an officer as Registrar of Plant Breeders' Rights under section 3. The Registrar shall keep a Register in which prescribed particulars in respect of plant breeders' rights shall be entered (sect. 4). The Registrar may enter into agreements with appropriate authorities of countries being member of the Convention for the Protection of New varieties of Plants for purposes outlined in section 5A. Sections 6 to 13 provide for the application of plant breeders' rights and in particular for priority and updating of applications, denomination of varieties, and rejection of application. The Registrar may grant provisional protection of a right under sections 14 to 16. Objections against grant of a right may be made by any person under sections 17 and 18. The Registrar shall consider applications in accordance with terms laid down in section 19. Plant breeders' rights shall be granted under section 20. Plant breeders' rights shall be granted for 25 years in the case of vine and trees and 20 years in all other cases. Section 23 sets out rights of holders of a plant breeders' right, whereas section 23A provides for the infringement of rights. A licence may be granted by a holder of a right authorising the use of rights related to a plant breeders' right. Section 27 provides for the grant of compulsory licences. Remaining provisions deal with joint holding of a right (sect. 28), transfer (sect. 29), and termination of rights (sect. 33), alteration of denomination (sect. 32), proof and legal proceedings, secrecy, regulation making powers of the Minister, offences, and compensation for infringement. (53 sections)
South Africa · 1976-03-15