Ning Gaoning: Promote IPR Protection of Seed Innovation

Ning Gaoning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, gave his suggestions on improving legislation of intellectual property rights (IPR) in the seed industry and encouraging innovation in the seed field during this year's two sessions.

Seeds are the basis of agricultural development and national grain security.

The Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of New Varieties of Plants now in effect in China accord with the earlier International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, but extend the protection to meet current developments.

Enforcement against infringements in the seed industry in China also needs to be strengthened.

In response to the weakness, Ning, chairman of both Sinochem Group Co., Ltd. and China National Chemical Corporation Ltd., outlined that a more stringent protection system of plant varieties should be established to provide legal protection for seed cultivation innovation, to build a seed IPR protection environment, and to encourage enterprises to make innovations in germplasm resources and seed cultivation technology.

He also advised relevant department to set up a joint work group to strengthen anti-infringement enforcement.

(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)