New West Genetics Files for First PVP Certificate for AOSCA Certified Hemp Seed
Today, New West Genetics announced that NWG-ELITE®, its high-yielding hemp grain variety, has been submitted for approval under the newly authorized USDA Plant Variety Protection (PVP) program. NWG-ELITE® is currently the only adapted and AOSCA-certified hemp seed variety produced in the U.S. The rapidly growing hemp industry passed another milestone on April 24, 2019, when the USDA announced that the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Office will begin accepting applications for seed propagated hemp varieties. “PVP delivers an important form of protection commonly granted to other crops. This is a significant step forward for the hemp industry.,” said Heidi Nebel, Managing Member and Chair of the Chemical and Biotechnology Practice Group at McKee, Voorhees & Sease, PLC. “Our firm was pleased to work with New West Genetics as one of the first companies to take advantage of this protection.” The U.S. Plant Variety Protection Act, passed in 1970, encourages breeders to invest their effort into the developments of new varieties that are novel, uniform, and stable. If a breeder suspects an infringement on their IP rights, they can bring the case to a civil court and seek compensation under the PVP Act. These rights are also recognized under an international Plant Breeder’s Rights protection system. New West Genetics CEO, Wendy Mosher, noted “Our company has been at the forefront of protecting our novel genetic inventions, first, by creating a robust utility patent portfolio, and now, by submitting the first application for PVP rights for an AOSCA certified hemp variety.” With the passage [...]