UAE: New Plant Varieties Law 8 of 2025
UAE government introduced the new Law 8 of 2025 on the Protection of New Plant Varieties protects breeders’ rights, promotes agricultural innovation, and enhances food and biosecurity. It replaces Federal Law No. 17 of 2009 and aligns national legislation with international standards set by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV).
The main highlights of the new law are:
- Establishment of a Register for New Plant Varieties under the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
- Expanding the protection to all plant genera and species, clarifies novelty and distinctness requirements
- Defining the role of the Registrar and the scope of breeders’ rights.
- Protection is granted to varieties that are new, distinct, uniform, and stable, for a period of 20 years, extended to 25 years for vines and trees. The protection period is counted from the grant date.
- Introduction of Penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment and fines of up to AED 250,000 for violations.
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