Publications for Agriculture and Food Section

Limitations on claims for infringement of an EU protected plant variety

The article discusses the CJUE ruling of 14 October 2021 in case C-186/18 on limitations on claims for infringement of an EU protected plant variety right. The crux of the ruling was a determination of the date of counting a three-year period after which claims become time-barred – specifically, in reference to ongoing infringements. The conclusions of CJUE are compared to those of the Polish Supreme Court in a ruling concerning limitations on claims for infringement of an EUTM in which a different view of the ongoing nature of certain infringements of IP is taken.

Released on Jun 2, 2023

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their application in Brazilian agriculture and consumer products

This article provides an overview of Brazilian law and regulation on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and presents the most current legal discussions involving the use of GMOs in the food industry. The CTNBio and other surveillance authorities created a solid legal basis on biosafety for use of GMOs, however it is still a target of controversies by civil society and experts regarding risks to health and ethical issues.

Released on Jun 2, 2023

Pakistan’s plant variety protection laws: balancing national food security with the rights of plant breeders.

Pakistan, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and a signatory to the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (‘TRIPS Agreement’), is obligated to protect new plant varieties under article 27.3(b) of the TRIPS Agreement.

Released on Apr 12, 2023

Regulation of the eco-marine system as a guide to sustainable development growth post Covid-19

Although 38 per cent of the world’s population live within a narrow fringe of coastal land, it occupies only 7.6 per cent of the Earth’s total land surface (UN Environment Programme 2006). These populations largely depend on coastal resources for their livelihoods.

Released on Jun 1, 2021

Harnessing SAATM and an Africa-UK trade agreement to enable agricultural development

The United Kingdom depends significantly on agricultural imports to meet domestic food demand importing more than 40 per cent of its total food requirements. Demand is expected to increase steadily in future due to anticipated population growth.

Released on Jun 1, 2021

The essential role of evolving technologies in securing a safe and sustainable food supply

Emerging tools enabled by nanotechnology, synthetic biology, and other innovative technologies are today increasingly supplementing the ploughs and tractors so emblematic of the agricultural community of the past. These precision farming tools are ensuring a sustainable food supply otherwise threatened by climate change and population growth, among other global challenges, while diminishing worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.

Released on Jun 1, 2021

Covid-19 and the risk to food supply chains

The food supply chain is still strong and is not suffering from contraction so far. We have also been informed of a strong increase in orders of food products (both commodities and processed goods) during the Covid-19 crisis.

Released on Apr 3, 2020