Part 1 Preliminary
1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Plant Breeder’s Rights Act 1994.
2 Commencement (1) Subject to subsection (2), the provisions of this Act commence on a day to be fixed by Proclamation. (2) If a provision of this Act does not commence under subsection (1) within the period of 6 months commencing on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent, it commences on the first day after the end of that period.
3 Definitions (1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears: 1991 Act of the Convention means the Act of the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, done at Geneva on 19 March 1991, as that Act is in force for Australia from time to time. AAT means the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. AAT Act means the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975. Act of the Convention means - (a) the Act of the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, done at Geneva on 23 October 1978, as that Act is in force for Australia from time to time; or (b) the 1991 Act of the Convention; or (c) any other Act of that Convention determined by the Minister under subsection (1A), as that Act is in force for Australia from time to time. address means affected by subsection (2). applicant, in relation to an application, means the person currently shown in the application as the person making the application. application means an application under section 24 for PBR in a plant variety to which this Act extends. approved form in relation to a provision of this Act means a form approved in an instrument under subsection (1B) for the purposes of that provision. biosecurity control order has the same meaning as in the Biosecurity Act 2015. biosecurity response zone has the same meaning as in the Biosecurity Act 2015. biosecurity response zone determination has the same meaning as in the Biosecurity Act 2015. breeder, in relation to a new plant variety, means: (a) subject to paragraph (c), if the variety was bred by one person only—the person; or (b) subject to paragraph (c), if the variety was bred by 2 or more persons (whether jointly or independently and whether at the same time or different times)—each of those persons; or (c) if the variety was bred: (i) by a person in the course of performing duties or functions as a member or employee of a body (whether incorporate or unincorporate); or (ii) by 2 or more persons in the course of performing duties as a member or employee of such a body; the body of which that person or each of those persons is a member or employee; and includes any person or body that is the successor in title to the person referred to in paragraph (a), to any of the persons referred to in paragraph (b) or the body referred to in paragraph (c). commercial in confidence has the meaning given by subsection 41B(4). conditioning, in relation to propagating material of a plant variety, means: (a) cleaning, coating, sorting, packaging or grading of the material; or (b) any other similar treatment; undertaken for the purpose of preparing the material for propagation or sale. contracting party means a State, or an intergovernmental organisation, in relation to which Australia has obligations under an Act of the Convention. dependent plant variety, in relation to another plant variety in which a person holds PBR in Australia, means a plant variety over which PBR in the other plant variety extends under section 13. essential characteristics, in relation to a plant variety, means heritable traits that are determined by the expression of one or more genes, or other heritable determinants, that contribute to the principal features, performance or value of the variety. essentially derived, in relation to a plant variety, has the meaning given by section 4. exclusive licensee of the grantee of PBR in a plant variety means a licensee under a licence granted by the grantee that confers on the licensee, or on the licensee and persons authorised by the licensee, PBR in the plant variety to the exclusion of the grantee and all other persons. Federal Circuit Court means the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. Federal Court means the Federal Court of Australia. genetic resource centre means a place that the Registrar declares to be a genetic resource centre under subsection 70(1). grantee: (a) in relation to PBR in a plant variety—means the person currently entered on the Register as the holder of that right in that variety; and (b) in relation to PBR in a plant variety declared to be an essentially derived variety of another plant variety—includes the person currently entered on the Register as the holder of that right in relation to that other plant variety. hearing period has the meaning given by subsection 41C(3). herbarium means the organisation that the Registrar declares to be the herbarium under section 71. hybrid means a plant that is a combination of 2 or more genotypes of the same or different taxa but excluding a combination comprising a scion grafted on to a root stock. legal practitioner means a barrister or solicitor of the High Court or of the Supreme Court of a State or Territory. PBR means: (a) in relation to a plant variety registered (or to be registered) in Australia under this Act—the plant breeder’s right specified in section 11; or (b) in relation to a plant variety registered (or to be registered) in another contracting party—a plant breeder’s right, corresponding to the right specified in section 11, conferred under the law of that contracting party; or (c) in relation to a plant variety registered (or to be registered) in a foreign country that is not a contracting party—a plant breeder’s right, corresponding to the right specified in section 11, conferred under the law of that foreign country. PBR office means place of work of the Registrar or a person who is engaged under the Public Service Act 1999 or otherwise for or on behalf of the Commonwealth and whose duties involve providing assistance to the Registrar. PBR sub office means place of work in a single State of the Registrar or a person who is engaged under the Public Service Act 1999 or otherwise for or on behalf of the Commonwealth and whose duties involve providing assistance to the Registrar. plant includes all fungi and algae but does not include bacteria, bacteroids, mycoplasmas, viruses, viroids and bacteriophages. plant class for the purpose of variety denomination means a class consisting of all plants: (a) that belong to a single botanical genus; or (b) that belong to a group of closely related genera; that is specified from time to time as a plant class in the Registrar’s List of Plant Classes maintained under subsection 61(1A). plant variety means a plant grouping (including a hybrid): (a) that is contained within a single botanical taxon of the lowest known rank; and (b) that can be defined by the expression of the characteristics resulting from the genotype of each individual within that plant grouping; and (c) that can be distinguished from any other plant grouping by the expression of at least one of those characteristics; and (d) that can be considered as a functional unit because of its suitability for being propagated unchanged. preferred means (a) in relation to lodging a document with, or giving a document to, the Registrar—means the means specified under subsection 72C(4); or (b) in relation to paying a fee—means the means specified under subsection 80A(4). process, in relation to the reproduction of propagating material, of a plant variety does not include: (a) the development of a cell or tissue or a plant part into a plant of that variety; or (b) the growth of a plant into a larger plant of that variety. propagating material, in relation to a plant of a particular plant variety, means any part or product from which, whether alone or in combination with other parts or products of that plant, another plant with the same essential characteristics can be produced. propagation, in relation to a living organism or its components, means the growth, culture or multiplication of that organism or component, whether by sexual or asexual means. Register means the Register of Plant Varieties kept under section 61. Registrar means the Registrar of Plant Breeder’s Rights. release from biosecurity control has the same meaning as in the Biosecurity Act 2015. relevant proceedings, in relation to PBR in a plant variety, means proceedings in a court or in the AAT relating to: (a) the grant of the PBR; or (b) the infringement of the PBR; or (c) a decision to revoke, or not to revoke, the PBR. reproduction, in relation to propagating material of a plant of a particular variety, means any process, whereby the number of units of that propagating material that have the capacity to grow into independent plants is multiplied. sell includes letting on hire and exchanging by way of barter. subject to biosecurity control has the same meaning as in the Biosecurity Act 2015. successor means: (a) in relation to a breeder of a plant variety—a person to whom the right of the breeder to make application for PBR in that variety has been assigned, or transmitted by will or by operation of law; and (b) in relation to a grantee of PBR—a person to whom that right has been assigned, or transmitted by will or by operation of law. synonym, in relation to the name of a plant variety, means a name that: (a) is included in an application in addition to the name of the variety; and (b) is a name by which the variety will be known or sold in Australia. test growing includes a comparative test growing. Union means the Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants as defined in Article 1 of the 1991 Act of the Convention. will includes a codicil. Act of the Convention (1A) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a determination for the purposes of paragraph (c) of the definition of Act of the Convention in subsection (1). (1B) The Registrar may, by writing, approve a form for the purposes of a provision of this Act. Electronic address (2) After the time specified in the regulations, a reference in this Act to an address includes a reference to an electronic address. (3) The time specified under subsection (2) must be later than the day on which the regulations are registered under the Legislation Act 2003. (4) Subsection (2) of this section does not apply to a reference to an address in subsection 26(2). (5) For the purposes of this Act, the question of whether an electronic address is in Australia is to be determined in accordance with the regulations. (6) For the purposes of this Act, the question of whether an electronic address is in New Zealand is to be determined in accordance with the regulations.
4 Definition of essentially derived A plant variety is an essentially derived variety of another plant variety if: (a) it is predominantly derived from that other plant variety; and (b) it retains the essential characteristics that result from the genotype or combination of genotypes of that other variety; and (c) it does not exhibit any important (as distinct from cosmetic) features that differentiate it from that other variety.
5 Definition of breeding (1) A reference in this Act to breeding, in relation to a new plant variety, includes a reference to the discovery of a plant together with its use in selective propagation so as to enable the development of the new plant variety. (2) If a plant is discovered by one person but used in selective propagation by another so as to enable the development of a new plant variety, those persons are together taken to be the joint breeders of the new plant variety.
6 Genetic modification For the purposes of this Act, an organism may be treated as constituting a plant grouping within a single botanical taxon despite the fact that the genome of the plants in that plant grouping has been altered by the introduction of genetic material that is not from plants.
8 Approved persons (1) In this Act, a reference to an approved person is a reference to a person who, on the basis of the person’s qualifications and experience, the Registrar has designated, by instrument in writing, to be such a person in relation to one of more species of plant. (2) The Registrar must, from time to time, cause lists of all persons who are approved persons in relation to particular species of plant to be published in the Plant Varieties Journal.
9 Act to bind Crown (1) This Act binds the Crown in right of the Commonwealth, of each of the States, of the Australian Capital Territory and of the Northern Territory. (2) Nothing in this Act renders the Crown, in any of its capacities, liable to be prosecuted for an offence.
9A Application of the Criminal Code Chapter 2 (other than Part 2.5) of the Criminal Code applies to all offences against this Act.
9B Extension to Norfolk Island This Act does not extend to Norfolk Island unless the regulations prescribe.
10 Extent of Act Nothing in this Act requires or permits the granting of PBR in a plant variety unless: (a) if Australia is a party to an Act of the Convention—the grant is appropriate to give effect to the obligations of Australia under that Act; or (b) the breeding of the plant variety constitutes an invention for the purpose of paragraph 51(xviii) of the Constitution.
Part 2 Plant breeder’s right
11 General nature of PBR Subject to sections 16, 17, 18, 19 and 23, PBR in a plant variety is the exclusive right, subject to this Act, to do, or to license another person to do, the following acts in relation to propagating material of the variety: (a) produce or reproduce the material; (b) condition the material for the purpose of propagation; (c) offer the material for sale; (d) sell the material; (e) import the material; (f) export the material; (g) stock the material for the purposes described in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f).
12 Extension of PBR to cover essentially derived varieties Subject to section 23 (exhaustion of PBR), if PBR is granted in a plant variety (the initial variety), and a declaration is made that another plant variety is essentially derived from the initial variety, the right granted in the initial variety extends, with effect from the date of declaration, to that other plant variety.
13 Extension of PBR to cover certain dependent plant varieties Subject to section 23, if PBR is granted in a plant variety (the initial variety), the right extends to: (a) any other plant variety that: (i) is not clearly distinguishable from the initial variety; and (ii) is clearly distinguishable from any plant variety that was a matter of common knowledge at the time of the grant of PBR in the initial variety; and (b) any other plant variety that cannot be reproduced except by the repeated use of the initial variety or of a variety referred to in paragraph (a); whether or not that other plant variety was in existence at the time PBR was granted in the initial variety.
14 Extension of PBR to harvested material in certain circumstances (1) If: (a) propagating material of a plant variety covered by PBR is produced or reproduced without the authorisation of the grantee; and (b) the grantee does not have a reasonable opportunity to exercise the grantee’s right in relation to the propagating material; and (c) material is harvested from the propagating material; section 11 operates as if the harvested material were propagating material. (2) Subsection (1) applies to so much of the material harvested by a farmer from propagating material conditioned and reproduced in the circumstances set out in subsection 17(1) as is not itself required by the farmer, for the farmer’s own use, for reproductive purposes.
15 Extension of PBR to products obtained from harvested material in certain circumstances If: (a) propagating material of a plant variety covered by PBR is produced or reproduced without authorisation of the grantee; and (b) the grantee does not have a reasonable opportunity to exercise the grantee’s rights in relation to the propagating material; and (c) material is harvested from plants grown from the propagating material but the grantee does not have, in the circumstances set out in section 14, a reasonable opportunity of exercising the grantee’s rights in the harvested material; and (d) products are made from the harvested material; section 11 operates as if those products were propagating material.
16 Certain acts done for private, experimental or breeding purposes do not infringe PBR Any act done in relation to a plant variety covered by PBR that is done: (a) privately and for non commercial purposes; or (b) for experimental purposes; or (c) for the purpose of breeding other plant varieties; does not infringe the PBR.
17 Conditioning and use of farm saved seed does not infringe PBR (1) If: (a) a person engaged in farming activities legitimately obtains propagating material of a plant variety covered by PBR either by purchase or by previous operation of this section, for use in such activities; and (b) the plant variety is not included within a taxon declared under subsection (2) to be a taxon to which this subsection does not apply; and (c) the person subsequently harvests further propagating material from plants grown from that first mentioned propagating material; the PBR is not infringed by: (d) the conditioning of so much of that further propagating material as is required for the person’s use for reproductive purposes; or (e) the reproduction of that further propagating material. (2) The regulations may declare a particular taxon to be a taxon to which subsection (1) does not apply.
18 Restrictions on exercise of PBR in certain circumstances (1) If: (a) a person is authorised by or under a law of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory to do an act referred to in a paragraph of section 11 in relation to propagating material of a plant variety; and (b) the act is one which (apart from this provision) would require authorisation from the grantee of PBR in the plant variety, or an exclusive licensee of the grantee; and (c) before the person does the act, the person either pays equitable remuneration to the grantee, or an exclusive licensee of the grantee, in respect of the act or arranges for the payment of such remuneration; and (d) the person does the act; then neither the grantee, nor any exclusive licensee of the grantee, nor any other person authorised by the grantee or exclusive licensee, is entitled to exercise PBR in the plant variety against the person in respect of that act. (2) To avoid doubt, subsection (1) does not limit the operation of section 17 in relation to the conditioning or reproduction of propagating material in the circumstances referred to in that section. (3) In this section equitable remuneration, in relation to an act done in relation to propagating material of a plant variety, means an amount: (a) that is agreed between the person proposing to undertake the act and the grantee of PBR in the plant variety, or an exclusive licensee of the grantee; or (b) if agreement cannot be reached under paragraph (a)—determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to constitute equitable remuneration in relation to the act.
19 Reasonable public access to plant varieties covered by PBR (1) Subject to subsection (11), the grantee of PBR in a plant variety must take all reasonable steps to ensure reasonable public access to that plant variety. (2) Reasonable public access to a plant variety covered by PBR is taken to be satisfied if propagating material of reasonable quality is available to the public at reasonable prices, or as gifts to the public, in sufficient quantities to meet demand. (3) For the purpose of ensuring reasonable public access to a plant variety covered by PBR, the Registrar may, on behalf of the grantee, in accordance with subsections (4) to (10), license a person whom the Registrar considers appropriate: (a) to sell propagating material of plants of that variety; or (b) to produce propagating material of plants of that variety for sale; during such period as the Registrar considers appropriate and on such terms and conditions (including the provision of reasonable remuneration to the grantee) as the Registrar considers would be granted by the grantee in the normal course of business. (4) If, at any time more than 2 years after the grant of PBR in a plant variety, a person considers: (a) that the grantee is failing to comply with subsection (1) in relation to the variety; and (b) that the failure affects the person’s interests; the person may make a written request to the Registrar to exercise a power under subsection (3) in relation to the variety. (5) A request must: (a) set out the reasons why the person considers that the grantee is failing to comply with subsection (1); and (b) give particulars of the way in which the person considers that the failure affects the person’s interests; and (c) give an address of the person for the purposes of notifications under this section. (5A) An address given under paragraph (5)(c) must be an address in Australia or New Zealand. (6) The Registrar must: (a) give the grantee a copy of the request; and (b) by notification to the grantee, invite the grantee to give the Registrar, within 30 days after giving the request, a written statement of the reasons the Registrar should be satisfied that the grantee: (i) is complying with subsection (1) in relation to the variety; or (ii) will so comply within a reasonable time. (7) The Registrar must, after considering the request and any statement given by the grantee in response to the invitation under paragraph (6)(b): (a) decide whether or not to exercise the power concerned; and (b) within 30 days after so deciding, notify the grantee, and the person making the request, of the decision. (8) If the Registrar proposes to exercise a power under subsection (3) in relation to a plant variety, the Registrar must give public notice: (a) identifying the variety; and (b) setting out particulars of any licence the Registrar proposes to grant; and (c) inviting persons to apply in writing to the Registrar, within 30 days of the publication of the notice, to be granted that licence. (9) The Registrar must not grant any such licence unless: (a) the Registrar has considered all applications made in response to the invitation; and (b) at least one month before granting any such licence, the Registrar has: (i) notified each such applicant of the name of the proposed licensee; and (ii) given public notice of the name of the proposed licensee. (10) If the Registrar: (a) has granted a person a licence to produce propagating material of plants of a particular variety; and (b) is satisfied that the person will be unable to obtain such propagating material at a reasonable price or without charge; the Registrar may, on behalf of the grantee, make that propagating material available to the person from material stored at a genetic resource centre. (11) This section does not apply in relation to a plant variety in respect of which the Registrar certifies, in writing, at the time of the grant of PBR, that he or she is satisfied that plants of that variety have no direct use as a consumer product.
20 PBR is personal property (1) PBR is personal property and, subject to any conditions imposed under section 49, is capable of assignment, or of transmission by will or by operation of law. (2) An assignment of PBR (otherwise than because of the order of a court) does not have effect unless it is in writing signed by, or on behalf of, the assignor and assignee. (3) If a grantee of PBR in a plant variety gives another person a licence in that right, the licence binds every successor in title to the interest of that grantee to the same extent as it was binding on that grantee of the PBR.
21 Registrar must be notified of an assignment of PBR (1) If a person (the claimant) Australia (Commonwealth), Plant Breeder's Rights Act 1994claims that PBR was assigned or transmitted to the claimant, the claimant must inform the Registrar in writing that the claimant has acquired that right, giving particulars of the manner in which that right was acquired, within 30 days after acquiring that right. (2) If the Registrar is satisfied that the right has been so assigned or transmitted, the Registrar must amend the Register by entering the name of the claimant as the holder of that right. (3) If the Registrar enters the name of the claimant on the Register as the holder of PBR, the Registrar must, within 30 days after entering the name, notify the claimant, and the person who was the holder before the entry was made, that the entry has been made. (4) If the Registrar is not satisfied that PBR has been assigned or transmitted to the claimant, the Registrar must, as soon as possible: (a) notify the claimant: (i) that the Registrar is not so satisfied; and (ii) of the reasons why the Registrar is not so satisfied; and (b) notify the person entered on the Register as the holder of the right: (i) of the particulars of the information given by the claimant; and (ii) that the Registrar is not so satisfied; and (iii) of the reasons why the Registrar is not so satisfied. (5) A claimant must include, in the notice to the Registrar informing of the assignment or transmission, an address in Australia or New Zealand for the service of documents in accordance with this Act.
22 Duration of PBR (1) Subject to subsections (4) and (5), PBR in a plant variety begins on the day that the grant of PBR in the variety is made. (2) Subject to subsections (3), (4) and (5), PBR in a plant variety lasts for: (a) in the case of trees and vines—25 years; and (b) for any other variety—20 years. (3) The regulations may provide that PBR in a plant variety included within a specified taxon lasts for a longer period than is specified in subsection (2). (4) PBR in a plant variety that is a dependent plant variety of another plant variety begins on: (a) the day that the grant of PBR in the other plant variety is made; or (b) the day that dependent variety comes into existence; whichever occurs last, and ends when PBR in the other variety ceases. (5) If: (a) PBR is held in a plant variety (the initial variety); and (b) another plant variety is declared to be an essentially derived variety of the initial variety; PBR in the initial variety extends to the essentially derived variety from the day on which that declaration is made until the day on which PBR in the initial variety ends.
23 Exhaustion of PBR (1) PBR granted in a plant variety does not extend to any act referred to in section 11: (a) in relation to propagating material of the variety; or (b) in relation to propagating material of any essentially derived variety or dependent plant variety; that takes place after the propagating material has been sold by the grantee or with the grantee’s consent unless that act: (c) involves further production or reproduction of the material; or (d) involves the export of the material: (i) to a country that does not provide PBR in relation to the variety; and (ii) for a purpose other than final consumption. (2) If: (a) a plant variety is declared to be an essentially derived variety of another plant variety (the initial variety); and (b) PBR in the essentially derived variety is held both by the grantee of PBR in the essentially derived variety and by the grantee of PBR in the initial variety; the reference in subsection (1) to propagating material sold by the grantee or with the grantee’s consent is a reference to propagating material sold by, or with the consent of, both of the grantees referred to in paragraph (b). (3) If, under subsection 18(1), equitable remuneration is paid, or arranged to be paid, to the grantee of PBR, or an exclusive licensee of the grantee, in a plant variety in respect of an act (the first act) in relation to propagating material of that variety before the person does the act, PBR in that variety does not extend to any later act (the later act) referred to in section 11 in relation to that propagating material unless the later act: (a) involves the further production or reproduction of that propagating material; or (b) involves the export of the material: (i) to a country that does not provide PBR in relation to the variety; and (ii) for a purpose other than final consumption. (4) To avoid doubt, nothing in subsection (1) or (3) prevents the exercise of the rights of the grantee of PBR in a plant variety in relation to any propagating material of that variety that is obtained by reproduction of the propagating material to which that subsection applies.
Part 3 Application for plant breeder’s right Division 1 —The making of the application
24 Right to apply for PBR (1) A breeder of a plant variety may make application to the Registrar for the grant of a PBR in the variety. (2) The breeder can make the application whether or not: (a) the breeder is an Australian citizen; and (b) the breeder is resident in Australia; and (c) the variety was bred in Australia. (3) Subject to subsection (4), if 2 or more persons bred a plant variety jointly, those persons or some of them may make a joint application for that right. (4) If 2 or more persons bred a plant variety jointly, one of those persons is not entitled to apply for PBR in the variety otherwise than jointly with, or with the consent in writing of, each other of those persons.
25 Right to apply for PBR is personal property (1) The right of a breeder of a plant variety to apply for PBR is personal property and is capable of assignment and of transmission by will or by operation of law. (2) An assignment of a right to apply for PBR must be in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor.
26 Form of application for PBR (1) An application for PBR in a plant variety must be in the approved form. (1A) Without limiting subsection (1), the approved form must require the inclusion of an address in Australia or New Zealand for service, being an address that is in accordance with the requirements of the approved form. (2) The application must contain: (a) the name and address of the applicant; and (b) if the applicant is using an agent to make the application on the applicant’s behalf—the name and address of the agent; and (c) if the applicant is the breeder of the variety—a statement of that effect; and (d) if the applicant is not the breeder of the variety—the name and address of the breeder and particulars of the assignment, or transmission by will or by operation of law, of the right to make the application; and (e) a brief description, or a brief description and photograph, of a plant of the variety sufficient to establish a prima facie case that the variety is distinct from other varieties of common knowledge; and (f) the name of the variety, having regard to the requirements of section 27, and any proposed synonym for that name; and (g) the name of the location at which the variety was bred; and (ga) the name of each variety (the parent variety) used in the breeding program including, in respect of each parent variety: (i) particulars of the names (including synonyms) by which the parent variety is known or sold in Australia; and (ii) particulars of any PBR granted in Australia or in any other contracting party; and (gb) a brief description of the manner in which the variety was bred; and (h) particulars of any application for, or grant of, rights of any kind in the variety in any other country; and (i) the name of an approved person who: (i) will verify the particulars in the application; and (ii) will supervise any test growing or further test growing of the variety required under section 37; and (iii) will verify a detailed description of the variety when such a description is supplied to the Registrar; (j) such other particulars (if any) as are required by the approved form. (4) An applicant must, before, or at the time of, lodging an application under this section, pay to the Commonwealth such application fee (if any) as is prescribed.
27 Names of new plant varieties (1) If PBR has not been granted in another contracting party in a plant variety before an application for that right in that variety is made in Australia, the name set out in the application must comply with subsections (4), (5), (6) and (7). (2) If, before making an application in Australia for PBR in a plant variety, PBR has been granted in that variety in another contracting party: (a) the name of the variety set out in the Australian application must be the name under which PBR was first granted in another contracting party; but (b) there may, and, if the name referred to in paragraph (a) does not comply with subsections (4), (5), (6) and (7) there must, also be included in the application a synonym, additional to the name of the variety. (3) The synonym must be a name determined in accordance with subsections (4), (5), (6) and (7) as if the variety had not been the subject of a grant of PBR in another contracting party. (3A) If, before making an application in Australia for PBR in a plant variety, PBR has not been granted in that variety in another contracting party, a synonym may also be included in the application. (4) A name (including a synonym), in respect of a plant variety, must be a word or words (whether invented or not) with or without the addition of either or both of the following: (a) a letter or letters that do not constitute a word; (b) a figure or figures. (5) A name (including a synonym), in respect of a plant variety must not: (a) be likely to deceive or cause confusion, including confusion with the name of another plant variety of the same plant class; or (b) be contrary to law; or (c) contain scandalous or offensive matter; or (d) be prohibited by regulations in force at the time of the application; or (e) be or include a trade mark that is registered, or whose registration is being sought, under the Trade Marks Act 1995, in respect of live plants, plant cells and plant tissues. (6) A name (including a synonym), in respect of a plant variety must comply with the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature and subsidiary codes. (7) A name (including a synonym), in respect of a plant variety must not consist of, or include: (a) the name of a natural person living at the time of the application unless the person has given written consent to the name of the variety; or (b) the name of a natural person who died within the period of 10 years before the application unless the legal personal representative of the person has given written consent to the name of the variety; or (c) the name of a corporation or other organisation, unless the corporation or other organisation has given its written consent to the name of the variety.
28 Applications to be given priority dates (1) The Registrar must ensure that each application for PBR is given a priority date. (2) The priority date is, unless section 29 applies in relation to the application, the date on which the application was lodged with the Registrar or, if another date is determined under the regulations for the application, the date determined. (3) If 2 or more applications are made for PBR in the same plant variety, the Registrar must first consider the application having the earlier priority date.
29 Priority dates arising from foreign application (1) If: (a) a person has lodged an application for PBR in a plant variety in one or more contracting parties other than Australia; and (b) within a period of 12 months after the date that the earliest of those applications (the foreign application) was lodged, the person lodges an application in Australia (the local application) for PBR in the variety; and (c) the local application is accompanied with a claim to have the date of lodgment of the foreign application treated as the priority date for the purposes of the local application; and (d) the local application is accepted; the person is entitled to have the date of lodgment of the foreign application treated as the priority date for the purposes of the local application, subject to subsections (3) and (4). (3) The entitlement of the person to have the date of lodgment of the foreign application treated as the priority date for the purposes of the local application is conditional on the person lodging with the Registrar, within 3 months of making the local application, a copy of the documents that constituted the foreign application, certified by the Authority that received the foreign application to be a true copy of the documents. (4) The entitlement of the person to have the date of lodgment of the foreign application treated as the priority date for the purposes of the local application is conditional on the person providing to the Registrar, within a period of 5 years after the making of the foreign application, such further particulars in relation to the plant variety as are required to complete the consideration of the local application.
30 Acceptance or rejection of applications (1) The Registrar must, as soon as practicable after an application for PBR is lodged in a plant variety, decide whether to accept or reject the application. (2) If the Registrar is satisfied that: (a) no other application has, or, if the application were to meet the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c), would have, an earlier priority date in the variety; and (b) the application complies with the requirements of section 26; and (c) the application establishes a prima facie case for treating the plant variety as distinct from other varieties; the Registrar must accept the application. (3) If the Registrar is not satisfied of all of the matters referred to in subsection (2), the Registrar must reject the application. (4) If the Registrar decides to accept the application, the Registrar must: (a) notify the applicant that the application has been accepted; and (b) as soon as possible after notifying the applicant—give public notice of the acceptance of the application. (5) If the Registrar decides to reject an application, the Registrar must: (a) notify the applicant of the rejection and of the reasons for the rejection; and (b) as soon as possible after notifying the applicant—give public notice of the rejection of the application.
31 Requests for variation of application (1) If: (a) after an application for PBR in a plant variety has been accepted; but (b) before concluding the examination of that application (including the subsequent detailed description of that variety) and of any objection to the application; the right of the applicant to apply for PBR in a particular plant variety is assigned to, or has been transmitted by will or operation of law to, another person, that other person may request the Registrar, in writing, to vary the application so that that other person is shown as the applicant. (2) If the Registrar is satisfied that the right to apply for PBR in a particular plant variety has been assigned to, or has been transmitted by will or operation of law to, to a particular person, the Registrar must vary the application so that that person is shown as the applicant. (3) A request by a person under subsection (1) must give an address in Australia or New Zealand for the service of documents on the person for the purposes of this Act. (4) If the Registrar complies with a request under subsection (1) and the address for the service of documents that is given in connection with that request is different from the address contained in the application as the address for service of documents on the applicant, the Registrar must vary the application so that the address so given is shown as the address for service of documents on the applicant. (5) If: (a) after an application for PBR in a plant variety has been accepted; but (b) before concluding the examination of that application (including the subsequent detailed description of that variety) and of any objection to the application; the applicant requests the Registrar, in writing, to vary the application in any other respect other than that referred to in subsection (1), the Registrar may, in his or her discretion, vary the application in accordance with the request. (6) Despite the previous provisions of this section, the Registrar is not obliged or permitted to vary an application in response to a request under this section unless the person making the application for the variation has paid to the Commonwealth the application variation fee that is prescribed for the purposes of this section.
32 Notification of decisions on requests to vary application (1) If the Registrar varies an application in accordance with a request under subsection 31(1) or (5), the Registrar must, as soon as practicable, notify the person making the request that the application has been so varied. (2) If the Registrar rejects a request under subsection 31(1) or (5), the Registrar must, as soon as practicable, notify the person making the request: (a) that the request has been rejected; and (b) of the reasons for the rejection. (3) If the Registrar rejects a request under subsection 31(1), the Registrar must, as soon as practicable, also notify the applicant: (a) of the particulars of the request; and (b) that the request has been rejected; and (c) of the reasons for the rejection. (4) If the Registrar varies an application in accordance with a request under subsection 31(1), the Registrar must, as soon as practicable, also notify particulars of the variation to the person who was the applicant before the variation was made. (5) If an application: (a) is varied because of a request under subsection 31(1); or (b) is varied because of a request under subsection 31(5) in a significant respect; the Registrar must, as soon as practicable, give public notice of particulars of the variation.
33 Withdrawal of application (1) An application may be withdrawn by the applicant at any time. (2) If an application is withdrawn after public notice of acceptance of the application is given, the Registrar must, as soon as practicable, give public notice of the withdrawal. Division 2—Dealing with the application after its acceptance
34 Detailed description in support of application to be given to Registrar (1) As soon as practicable after, but not later than 12 months after, an application has been accepted, or within such further period as the Registrar allows for the purpose, the applicant must, if the applicant has not already done so, give the Registrar a detailed description of the plant variety to which the application relates. (2) If the applicant fails to give the Registrar the detailed description required under this section within the required period, the application is taken to have been withdrawn. (3) The detailed description must be in the approved form. (4) The detailed description must contain: (a) particulars of the characteristics that distinguish the variety from other plant varieties the existence of which is a matter of common knowledge; and (b) particulars of: (i) any test growing carried out, including a test growing carried out as required under section 37, to establish that the variety is distinct, uniform and stable; and (ii) any test growing carried out as required under section 41 or 41E (both of which deal with test growing of essentially derived varieties); and (c) if the variety was bred outside Australia—particulars of any test growing outside Australia that tend to establish that the variety will, if grown in Australia, be distinct, uniform and stable; and (d) such other particulars (if any) as are required by the approved form; and must be accompanied by a certificate, in the approved form, verifying the particulars of the detailed description, completed by the approved person nominated in the application as the approved person in relation to that application. (5) The Registrar must, as soon as practicable after receiving a detailed description of a plant variety to which an application for PBR relates, give public notice of that description. (6) The applicant must: (a) unless paragraph (b) applies—within 12 months after the application has been accepted; and (b) if the detailed description has been given to the Registrar before the end of that period—at the time when the description was given; pay to the Commonwealth such examination fee as is prescribed. (7) Subsection (6) does not apply to an applicant if, when the examination fee would become payable apart from this subsection: (a) the plant variety to which the application relates is subject to biosecurity control; or (b) a biosecurity control order is in force in relation to the plant variety to which the application relates; or (c) a biosecurity response zone determination is in force and the plant variety to which the application relates is in the biosecurity response zone. (8) If subsection (7) applies, the applicant must pay the prescribed examination fee within 12 months after (as the case requires): (a) the plant variety is released from biosecurity control; or (b) the biosecurity control order ceases to be in force in relation to the plant variety; or (c) the biosecurity response zone determination ceases to be in force.
35 Objection to application for PBR (1) Any person who considers, in relation to an application for PBR in a plant variety that has been accepted: (a) that his or her commercial interests would be affected by the grant of that PBR to the applicant; and (b) that the Registrar cannot be satisfied, in relation to that application, of a matter referred to in a paragraph of subsection 26(2) or in subparagraph 44(1)(b)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii) or (viii); may lodge a written objection to the grant of PBR with the Registrar at any time after the giving of that public notice of acceptance of the application and before the end of the period of 6 months starting with the public notice of that detailed description. (2) An objection must set out: (a) particulars of the manner in which the person considers his or her commercial interests would be affected; and (b) the reasons why the person considers that the Registrar cannot be satisfied of a matter referred to in paragraph (1)(b). (2A) An objection is of no effect unless it is accompanied by the prescribed fee. (3) The Registrar must give a copy of the objection to the applicant.
36 Inspection of applications and objections (1) A person may, at any reasonable time, inspect an application for PBR in a plant variety (including any detailed description of the plant variety given in support of the application) or an objection lodged in respect of that application (including that detailed description). (2) A person is entitled, on payment of such fee as is prescribed, to be given a copy of an application for PBR in a plant variety, of an objection to such an application, or of a detailed description of the plant variety. (3) However, this section does not entitle a person to inspect the part of the application that contains the information referred to in paragraph 26(2)(ga) or to have a copy of the part of the application containing that information, unless the person is: (a) the applicant; or (b) the applicant’s authorised agent; or (c) the Minister; or (d) the Registrar; or (e) a person who is required to inspect the part of the application in the course of performing his or her duties in accordance with this Act; or (f) a person prescribed for the purposes of this subsection.
37 Test growing of plant varieties (1) If, in dealing with: (a) an application for PBR that has been accepted; or (b) an objection to such an application for PBR; or (c) a request for revocation of PBR; the Registrar decides that there should be a test growing or a further test growing of the variety to which the application, objection or request relates, the Registrar: (d) must notify that decision: (i) to the person who made the application, objection or request; and (ii) in the case of an objection to an application for PBR—also to the applicant; and (iii) in the case of a request for revocation of PBR—also to the grantee; and (e) may also notify that decision to any other person whom the Registrar considers appropriate if the test growing or further test growing is a comparative test growing. (2) The notification, in addition to telling the person of the Registrar’s decision: (a) must specify the purpose of the test growing; and (b) may require the person: (i) to supply the Registrar with sufficient plants or sufficient propagating material of plants of the variety, and with any necessary information, to enable the Registrar to arrange a test growing; or (ii) to make arrangements for an approved person to supervise the test growing, to supply the approved person with sufficient plants or propagating material to enable the test growing, to give the Registrar a copy of the records of observations made during the test growing and to certify the records of observations so provided; whichever the Registrar considers appropriate. (2A) A person to whom a notification is given under this section must comply with the requirements of the notification: (a) in the case of trees and vines, or propagating materials of trees and vines—within 2 years from the date the notification is given; and (b) in the case of other species of plant or propagating materials of other species of plant—within 12 months from that date. (2B) If a person, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with the requirements of a notification given under this section, the Registrar may: (a) if the person is the grantee—revoke PBR, in the plant variety to which the notification relates, under section 50; or (b) if the person made an application, objection or request—decide not to further proceed with the application, objection or request for revocation. (3) If a notification under this section contains the requirement referred to in subparagraph (2)(b)(i) and the applicant complies with the request, the Registrar must arrange to have the variety concerned test grown. (4) After completion of a test growing arranged by the Registrar, any propagating material of the variety used in, or resulting from, the test growing, that is capable of being transported must be delivered to the person by whom propagating material of that variety was supplied for the purposes of the test growing. (5) All of the costs associated with a test growing must be paid: (a) if it is conducted to deal with an application for PBR—by the applicant for PBR; or (b) if it is conducted to deal with an objection to an application for PBR: (i) by the applicant for PBR, where the test growing shows that there are valid reasons for the objection; or (ii) by the objector, in any other case; or (c) if it is conducted to deal with a request for revocation of PBR: (i) by the grantee, where the test growing shows that there are valid reasons for the request; or (ii) by the person making the request, in any other case. (6) If a contracting party, or a national or an organisation of a contracting party, requests the Registrar to conduct in Australia a test growing of a plant variety, the Registrar may decide to conduct the test growing as so requested. (7) If the Registrar decides to conduct a test growing under subsection (6), subsections (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) apply to such test growing as if: (a) the person or organisation requesting the test growing under subsection (6) was an applicant for PBR; and (b) the test growing had been decided on in relation to that application.
38 Characteristics of plant varieties bred or test grown outside Australia (1) If: (a) a plant variety (the subject variety): (i) was bred outside Australia; or (ii) was bred in Australia but, before an application for PBR was made in Australia, an application for PBR was made in a contracting party other than Australia; and (b) an application under this Act for PBR in the variety has been accepted; the variety is not to be taken to have a particular characteristic unless subsection (2), (3), (4) or (5) applies to the variety. (2) This subsection applies to the subject variety if a test growing in Australia has demonstrated that the variety has the particular characteristic. (3) This subsection applies to the subject variety if: (a) a test growing of the variety has been carried out outside Australia; and (b) that test growing has demonstrated that the variety has the particular characteristic; and (c) under an agreement between Australia and the country in which the test growing was carried out, Australia is required to accept that the variety has that particular characteristic. (4) This subsection applies to the subject variety if the Registrar is satisfied that: (a) a test growing of the variety carried out outside Australia has demonstrated that the variety has the particular characteristic; and (b) that test growing of the variety is equivalent to a test growing of the variety in Australia. (5) This subsection applies to the subject variety if the Registrar is satisfied that: (a) a test growing of the variety carried out outside Australia has demonstrated that the variety has the particular characteristic; and (b) any test growing of the variety carried out in Australia would probably demonstrate that the variety has that characteristic; and (c) if a test growing of the variety in Australia sufficient to demonstrate whether the variety has that characteristic were to be carried out, it would take longer than 2 years. Division 3—Provisional protection
39 Provisional protection (1) When an application for PBR in a plant variety is accepted, the applicant is taken to be the grantee of that right for the purposes of Part 5 from the day the application is accepted until: (a) the application is disposed of; or (b) if the Registrar gives the applicant a notification under subsection (2)—the notification is disposed of; whichever occurs first. (2) If the Registrar is satisfied in relation to an application for PBR in a plant variety, that: (a) PBR will not be granted or is unlikely to be granted to the applicant; or (aa) a decision has been taken under paragraph 37(2B)(b) not to proceed with the application; or (ab) the application has been withdrawn; or (b) the applicant has given an undertaking to a person (whether or not for consideration) not to commence proceedings for infringement of the right of which the applicant is deemed to be the grantee; or (c) at least 12 months have elapsed since the publication of the detailed description that was given to the Registrar under subsection 34(1); the Registrar may notify the applicant that this section will cease to apply to that variety on a day specified in the notification unless, before that time the applicant has made a submission to the Registrar providing reasons why this section should not cease to apply. (3) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b) a notification referred to in that paragraph is not taken to be disposed of until: (a) the end of the period within which application may be made to the AAT for a review of the giving of the notification; or (b) if such an application is made to the AAT—the application is withdrawn or finally determined, whether by the AAT or a court. (4) As soon as practicable after a person ceases to be taken to be the grantee of PBR under this section, the Registrar must give public notice that the person has ceased to be so taken. (5) Nothing in this section affects the power of: (a) the Federal Court, or a Judge of that Court, under subsection 44A(2) of the AAT Act; or (b) the Federal Circuit Court, or a Judge of that Court, under subsection 44A(2A) of that Act; where an appeal is begun in that court from a decision of the AAT. (6) A person who is taken to be the grantee of PBR in a plant variety is not entitled to begin an action or proceeding for an infringement of that right occurring during the period when the person is so taken unless and until that right is finally granted to the person under section 44. Division 4—Essential derivation
40 Essential derivation for PBR protected varieties—declaration (1) A person (an eligible person) may make an application under subsection (1A) if the person is: (a) the grantee of PBR in a plant variety; or (b) an exclusive licensee of such a grantee. (1A) An eligible person in relation to a plant variety (the initial variety) may apply in writing to the Registrar for a declaration that another variety (the second variety) is essentially derived from the initial variety if: (a) another person is the grantee of, or has applied for, PBR in the second variety; and (b) the eligible person is satisfied that the second variety is essentially derived from the initial variety; and (c) the initial variety has not itself been declared (under section 40 or 41D) to be essentially derived from another variety in which PBR has been granted. (1B) The Registrar must notify the application under subsection (1A) to each eligible person in relation to the initial variety other than the applicant. (1C) If an eligible person in relation to a plant variety (the initial variety) applies for a declaration under subsection (1A) in relation to another plant variety (the second variety), that does not prevent another eligible person in relation to the initial variety also applying for a declaration under that subsection in relation to the second variety. (2) Nothing in this section implies that an eligible person in relation to a plant variety (the initial variety) may not, in relation to an application by another person for PBR in another plant variety (the second variety) that has been accepted but not finally determined: (a) make an objection, under section 35, to the granting of PBR in the second variety; and (b) in the alternative, if PBR is granted to another person in the second variety—apply under subsection (1A) for a declaration that the second variety is essentially derived from the initial variety. (3) If the second variety: (a) is the subject of an application for PBR; and (b) is also the subject of an application for a declaration of essential derivation; then, unless and until the Registrar decides to grant the application for PBR: (c) the Registrar must not make the declaration of essential derivation; but (d) the Registrar may, in his or her discretion: (i) examine both the application for PBR and the application for a declaration of essential derivation at the same time; and (ii) for the purpose only of examining the application for a declaration of essential derivation—treat the applicant for PBR as the grantee of PBR in the variety. (4) An application for a declaration of essential derivation must: (a) be in the approved form; and (b) be accompanied by the prescribed fee in respect of the application. (5) An application must contain such information relevant to establishing a prima facie case that the second variety is an essentially derived variety of the initial variety as is required by the form. (6) If the initial variety has itself been declared to be essentially derived from another variety, the Registrar must: (a) refuse to declare the second variety essentially derived from the initial variety; and (b) notify each eligible person in relation to the initial variety (including the applicant) of the refusal and the reasons for it. (7) If the initial variety has not been so declared, the Registrar must determine, on the basis of the application, whether the Registrar is satisfied that there is a prima facie case that the second variety is an essentially derived variety of the initial variety. (8) If the Registrar is satisfied of that prima facie case, the Registrar must: (a) notify the applicant and the grantee of PBR in the second variety that the Registrar is so satisfied; and (b) notify the grantee of PBR in the second variety that, unless the grantee establishes, within 30 days after being so notified or such longer period as the Registrar allows, that the second variety is not an essentially derived variety of the initial variety, the Registrar will, at the end of that period, declare the second variety to be such an essentially derived variety. (9) If the Registrar is not satisfied of that prima facie case, the Registrar must notify each eligible person in relation to the initial variety (including the applicant) that the Registrar is not so satisfied, and of the reasons for not being so satisfied. (10) If, after considering: (a) the information presented by the grantee of PBR in the second variety; and (b) any information obtained from a test growing conducted in accordance with section 41; and (c) any other relevant information obtained by the Registrar; the Registrar is not satisfied that the grantee of PBR in the second variety has rebutted the prima facie case, the Registrar must: (d) declare, in writing, that the second variety is an essentially derived variety of the initial variety; and (e) notify each eligible person in relation to the initial variety (including the applicant) of the declaration; and (f) notify the grantee of PBR in the second variety of the declaration and of the reasons for not being satisfied that the prima facie case has been rebutted. (11) If, after considering the information referred to in paragraph (10)(a), (b) or (c), the Registrar is satisfied that the grantee of PBR in the second variety has rebutted the prima facie case, the Registrar must: (a) notify each eligible person in relation to the initial variety (including the applicant) that he or she is so satisfied, and of the reasons for being so satisfied; and (b) notify the grantee of PBR in the second variety that he or she is so satisfied. (12) While a declaration under this section that the second variety is essentially derived from the initial variety remains in force, section 19 applies in relation to the second variety as if: (a) the references in that section to the grantee, in relation to that variety were references both to the person holding PBR in that variety and to the person holding PBR in the initial variety; and (b) the reference in subsection 19(4) to 2 years after the grant of PBR were a reference to 2 years after the grant of PBR in the second variety whether or not the declaration of essential derivation was made at the same time or a later time; and (c) a failure by the other person holding PBR in the initial variety or the person holding PBR in the second variety to co operate in making the second variety available to the public in accordance with the requirements of subsection 19(1) was a failure of the grantee to comply with the requirements of that subsection.
41 Essential derivation for PBR protected varieties—test growing (1) This section applies if: (a) an eligible person applies for a declaration under section 40 in relation to a plant variety (the initial variety) that another plant variety (the second variety) is essentially derived from the initial variety; and (b) in the course of that application the applicant establishes a prima facie case that the second variety is essentially derived from the initial variety. (1A) On the basis of information supplied by the applicant and the grantee of PBR in the second variety, the Registrar may decide that a test growing or further test growing is required to determine whether the prima facie case has been rebutted. (1B) The Registrar must notify the decision to each of the following: (a) the applicant; (b) the grantee of PBR in the second variety. (2) The notification must require: (a) the applicant to supply the Registrar with sufficient plants or sufficient propagating material of plants of that variety and with any necessary information; and (b) the grantee of PBR in the second variety to supply the Registrar with sufficient plants or sufficient propagating material of plants of that second variety and with any necessary information; to enable the Registrar to arrange a test growing. (3) After completion of the test growing, any propagating material of a variety used in, or resulting from, the test growing that is capable of being transported must be delivered to the person by whom propagating material of that variety was supplied for the purpose of the test growing. (4) All costs associated with the test growing must be paid by the person who, without the test growing, failed to rebut the prima facie case of essential derivation, whether or not the test growing led to rebuttal of that case. (5) If the Registrar requires a test growing or further test growing under this section, paragraph 40(8)(b) has effect as if the reference in that paragraph to 30 days after being so notified were a reference to 30 days after being notified of the results of the test growing.
41A Essential derivation for non PBR protected second varieties—application for declaration Circumstances in which application may be made (1) A person (an eligible person) may make an application under subsection (2) if the person is: (a) the grantee of PBR in a plant variety; or (b) an exclusive licensee of such a grantee. (2) An eligible person in relation to a plant variety (the initial variety) may apply in writing to the Registrar for a declaration under section 41D that another variety (the second variety) is essentially derived from the initial variety if: (a) PBR has not been applied for, or granted, in the second variety; and (b) the eligible person is satisfied that the second variety is essentially derived from the initial variety; and (c) the initial variety has not itself been declared (under section 40 or 41D) to be essentially derived from another variety in which PBR has been granted. Content of application (3) The application must: (a) be in the approved form; and (b) be accompanied by such fee (if any) as is prescribed by the regulations in respect of the application. (4) Without limiting what the approved form may require, the application must contain: (a) such information as is required by the form that is relevant to establishing, on the balance of probabilities, that the second variety is: (i) essentially derived from the initial variety; and (ii) a registrable plant variety within the meaning of section 43; and (b) either: (i) such information as is required by the form that is necessary to enable the Registrar to notify the application to the person (or persons) the applicant reasonably believes to be the breeder of the second variety; or (ii) evidence that the applicant cannot comply with subparagraph (i), despite taking reasonable steps to obtain the information mentioned in that subparagraph. (5) The Registrar must refuse to consider the application if satisfied that the applicant has failed to comply with subparagraph (4)(b)(i), unless the Registrar is satisfied that the applicant, after taking reasonable steps to obtain the information mentioned in that subparagraph, cannot do so. Notifying other eligible persons and the breeder of the second variety (6) The Registrar must notify an application to: (a) each eligible person in relation to the initial variety other than the applicant; and (b) if the application includes sufficient information for the Registrar to do so—the person (or persons) the applicant reasonably believes to be the breeder of the second variety. (7) The notification of the application must include a statement to the effect that the application has been, or will be, published in the Plant Varieties Journal under subsection 41B(1). Multiple applications (8) If an eligible person in relation to a plant variety (the initial variety) applies for a declaration under subsection (2) in relation to another plant variety (the second variety), that does not prevent another eligible person in relation to the initial variety also applying for a declaration under that subsection in relation to the second variety.
41B Essential derivation for non PBR protected varieties—publication of applications (1) As soon as practicable after an application under section 41A is made, the Registrar must publish a notification of the application in the Plant Varieties Journal including information about the applicant and the application, and any related information, prescribed by the regulations. (2) At any time or times before making a decision on the application, the Registrar may publish further notification of the application in the Plant Varieties Journal, including information (or updated information) about the matters prescribed by regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1). (3) However, the Registrar must not publish any information in a notification under subsection (1) or (2) if the Registrar is satisfied that the information is commercial in confidence. (4) Information is commercial in confidence if the applicant demonstrates to the Registrar that: (a) release of the information would cause competitive detriment to the applicant; and (b) the information is not in the public domain; and (c) the information is not required to be disclosed under another Australian law; and (d) the information is not readily discoverable. (5) However, this section does not apply if the Registrar refuses to consider an application under subsection 41A(5).
41C Essential derivation for non PBR protected varieties—opportunity to be heard Opportunity to be heard for interested persons (1) Before making a decision in relation to an application under section 41A for a declaration under section 41D that a plant variety (the second variety) is essentially derived from another plant variety, the Registrar must give an opportunity to be heard under this section to the following persons (each of whom is an interested person): (a) a person notified under paragraph 41A(6)(b); (b) another person who claims to have an interest in the second variety. (2) Subsection (1) only applies if the interested person gives the Registrar an address for service in Australia or New Zealand within the hearing period. (3) The hearing period is the period of 2 months after: (a) if the Registrar notifies the application to a person (or persons) under paragraph 41A(6)(b)—the later of the following days: (i) the day the application is notified; (ii) the day notification of the application is last published in the Plant Varieties Journal; or (b) if the Registrar does not notify the application to a person (or persons) under paragraph 41A(6)(b)—the day notification of the application is last published in the Plant Varieties Journal. Information given in accordance with the opportunity to be heard (4) For the purposes of section 41D, information is given by an interested person in accordance with the person’s opportunity to be heard if the information is given in accordance with regulations prescribed for the purposes of this subsection. (5) Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (4) may, without limiting that subsection, include reasonable requirements in relation to the following: (a) the giving of written information at the request of the Registrar; (b) the giving of oral information at a hearing convened by the Registrar; (c) when, where and in what circumstances such a hearing may be convened; (d) the practice and procedure for any such hearings, including provision for the Registrar to determine such practice and procedure (whether generally or in relation to a particular hearing); (e) the payment of any fees that are prescribed by the regulations in relation to the opportunity to be heard. Interested person declines the opportunity to be heard (6) For the purposes of section 41D, an interested person declines the opportunity to be heard if the person: (a) gives the Registrar notice that the person does not want to be heard; or (b) fails to give any information in accordance with the person’s opportunity to be heard under subsection (4).
41D Essential derivation for non PBR protected varieties—declaration Making the decision (1) On an application under section 41A for a declaration under this section that a plant variety (the second variety) is essentially derived from another plant variety (the initial variety), the Registrar may: (a) declare in writing that the second variety is essentially derived from the initial variety; or (b) refuse to make such a declaration. (2) The Registrar must make a declaration under subsection (1) if, and only if: (a) he or she is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the second variety is: (i) essentially derived from the initial variety; and (ii) a registrable plant variety within the meaning of section 43; and (b) the initial variety is not itself declared (under section 40 or this section) to be essentially derived from another plant variety. (3) In deciding whether to make a declaration under subsection (1), the Registrar must consider the following: (a) the information in the application; (b) any information given by an interested person in accordance with the person’s opportunity to be heard under subsection 41C(4); (c) any information obtained in a test growing conducted in accordance with section 41E; (d) any other relevant information. (4) For the purposes of making the decision, the Registrar may draw an inference that is unfavourable to the interests of an interested person (within the meaning of section 41C) if the person, within the hearing period: (a) does not give the Registrar an address for service for the purposes of subsection 41C(2); or (b) declines the opportunity to be heard under subsection 41C(6). Time for making decision (5) The Registrar must not make a decision in relation to the application before the end of the hearing period. Notification of decision (6) If the Registrar makes a decision under subsection (1), the Registrar must notify the decision to the following: (a) each eligible person within the meaning of section 41A (including the applicant); (b) each interested person who is required to be given an opportunity to be heard under subsection 41C(1). (7) A notification under subsection (6) must include: (a) a statement of reasons for the decision; and (b) a statement to the effect that, subject to the AAT Act, application may be made to the AAT for review of the decision to which the notice relates by or on behalf of a person or persons whose interests are affected by the decision. Effect of declaration—reasonable public access (8) While a declaration under this section that the second variety is essentially derived from the initial variety remains in force, section 19 applies in relation to the second variety as if the reference in subsection 19(4) to 2 years after the grant of PBR were a reference to 2 years after the declaration was made.
41E Essential derivation for non PBR protected varieties—test growing (1) For the purposes of considering an application under section 41A for a declaration under section 41D that a plant variety (the second variety) is essentially derived from another plant variety (the initial variety), the Registrar may conduct a test growing or further test growing to determine whether, on the balance of probabilities, the second variety is: (a) essentially derived from the initial variety; and (b) a registrable plant variety within the meaning of section 43. (2) The Registrar must notify a decision to conduct a test growing to: (a) the applicant; and (b) each interested person who is required to be given an opportunity to be heard under subsection 41C(1). (3) To enable the Registrar to arrange a test growing, the notification must require: (a) the applicant, within a reasonable period specified in the notification, to supply the Registrar with sufficient plants or sufficient propagating material of plants of the initial variety, and with any necessary information; and (b) each interested person notified under paragraph (2)(b), within a reasonable period specified in the notification, to supply the Registrar with sufficient plants or sufficient propagating material of plants of the second variety, and with any necessary information. (4) The notification must include a statement of the effect of subsections (5) to (8). (5) Despite subsection 41D(2), the Registrar must, under paragraph 41D(1)(b), refuse to make the declaration applied for if the applicant fails to comply with a requirement under paragraph (3)(a) of this section. (6) For the purposes of making a decision under subsection 41D(1) in relation to the application, the Registrar may draw an inference that is unfavourable to the interests of a person notified under paragraph (2)(b) of this section if the person fails to comply with a requirement under paragraph (3)(b) of this section. (7) After completion of the test growing, the Registrar must ensure that any propagating material of a variety used in, or resulting from, the test growing that is capable of being transported is delivered to the person by whom propagating material of that variety was supplied for the purpose of the test growing. (8) The applicant must pay all costs associated with the test growing.
41F Essential derivation for non PBR protected varieties—application lodged for PBR in second variety Decision to treat application under section 41A as an application under section 40 (1) The Registrar must decide to treat an application under section 41A for a declaration under section 41D that a plant variety (the second variety) is essentially derived from another variety (the initial variety) as an application under section 40 in relation to those plant varieties if: (a) an application for PBR in a plant variety (the PBR application) is made under section 24; and (b) the Registrar is satisfied that the plant variety in relation to which the PBR application is made is the same as the second variety. Effect of decision (2) If the Registrar makes a decision under subsection (1): (a) the Registrar must not make a decision under section 41D in relation to the application under section 41A (the original application); and (b) the Registrar must treat the application under section 41A as if it were an application (the converted application) made under section 40 in relation to the initial variety and the second variety, subject to this section. Notification of decision (3) The Registrar must notify the decision to the following persons: (a) each eligible person, within the meaning of section 41A, in relation to the initial variety (including the applicant under section 41A); (b) the applicant for PBR in the second variety; (c) each interested person, other than the applicant for PBR in the second variety, who is required to be given an opportunity to be heard under subsection 41C(1). (4) A notification under subsection (3) must include: (a) a statement of the reasons for the decision, and the effect of this section; and (b) in the case of the notification given under paragraph (3)(a) to the applicant under section 41A—a statement to the effect that the applicant under section 41A may provide additional information under subsection (6) within 2 months after the date of the notification. (5) The Registrar must publish notice of the decision in the Plant Varieties Journal. Relevant information (6) Within 2 months after a notification of the Registrar’s decision is given under subsection (3) to the applicant under section 41A, the applicant under section 41A may give the Registrar any information that would have been required or allowed under subsections 40(4) and (5) had the original application been made under section 40. (7) For the purpose of making a decision under section 40 in relation to the converted application, the Registrar may consider the following: (a) for the purposes of a decision under subsection 40(7): (i) any information in the original application; and (ii) any additional information given in accordance with subsection (6) of this section; (b) for the purposes of a decision under subsection 40(10) or (11): (i) any information in relation to the original application given by an interested person in accordance with the person’s opportunity to be heard under subsection 41C(4); and (ii) any information in relation to the original application obtained in a test growing conducted in accordance with section 41E; and (iii) any information mentioned in subsection 40(10) in relation to the converted application, including information obtained in a test growing conducted in accordance with section 41. Time for making decision (8) The Registrar must not make a decision in relation to the converted application earlier than 2 months after the day the notification is given under paragraph (3)(a) to the applicant under section 41A.
Part 4 The grant and revocation of Plant Breeder’s Right Division 1—Grant of Plant Breeder’s Right
43 Registrable plant varieties (1) For the purposes of this Act, a plant variety in which an application for PBR is made is registrable if: (a) the variety has a breeder; and (b) the variety is distinct; and (c) the variety is uniform; and (d) the variety is stable; and (e) the variety has not been exploited or has been only recently exploited. (2) For the purposes of this section, a plant variety is distinct if it is clearly distinguishable from any other variety whose existence is a matter of common knowledge. (3) For the purposes of this section, a plant variety is uniform if, subject to the variation that may be expected from the particular features of its propagation, it is uniform in its relevant characteristics on propagation. (4) For the purposes of this section, a plant variety is stable if its relevant characteristics remain unchanged after repeated propagation. (5) For the purposes of this section, a plant variety is taken not to have been exploited if, at the date of lodging the application for PBR in the variety, plant material of the variety has not been sold to another person by, or with the consent of, the breeder. (6) For the purposes of this section, a plant variety is taken to have been only recently exploited if, at the date of lodging the application for PBR in the variety, plant material of the variety has not been sold to another person by, or with the consent of, the breeder, either: (a) in Australia—more than one year before that date; or (b) outside of Australia: (i) in the case of trees or vines—more than 6 years before that date; or (ii) in any other case—more than 4 years before that date. (7) Subsection (6) does not apply to a sale by the breeder of a plant variety of plant material of the variety to another person if that sale is a part of, or related to, another transaction under which the right of the breeder to make application for PBR in that plant variety is sold to that other person. (7A) Subsection (6) does not apply to a sale of plant material of a plant variety to a person by, or with the consent of, the breeder if: (a) the sole purpose of the sale is for the person to multiply plant material of that plant variety on behalf of the breeder; and (b) under the agreement for the sale, immediately after the plant material is multiplied, property in the new plant material vests in the breeder. (7B) Subsection (6) does not apply to a sale of plant material of a plant variety to a person by, or with the consent of, the breeder if the sale is part of an agreement under which the person agrees to use plant material of that variety for the sole purpose of evaluating the variety in one or more of the following tests or trials: (a) field tests; (b) laboratory trials; (c) small scale processing trials; (d) tests or trials prescribed for the purposes of this subsection. (7C) Subsection (6) does not apply to a sale of plant material of a plant variety to a person by, or with the consent of, the breeder if: (a) the sale only involves plant material that is a by product or surplus product of one or more of the following: (i) the creation of the variety; (ii) a multiplication of the variety; (iii) tests or trials covered by subsection (7B); and (b) the plant material is sold: (i) without identification of the plant variety of the plant material; and (ii) for the sole purpose of final consumption. (8) In addition to any other reason for treating a plant variety as a variety of common knowledge, a variety is to be treated as a variety of common knowledge if: (a) an application for PBR in the variety has been lodged in a contracting party, or in a foreign country that is not a contracting party; and (b) the application is proceeding, or has led, to the grant of PBR. (9) A plant variety that is to be treated as a variety of common knowledge under subsection (8) because of an application for PBR in the variety is to be so treated from the time of the application. (10) In this section plant material, in relation to a plant variety, means one or more of the following: (a) propagating material of the plant variety; (b) harvested material of the plant variety; (c) products obtained from harvested material of the plant variety. variety has the same meaning as in the 1991 Act of the Convention.
44 Grant of PBR (1) If: (a) an application for PBR in a plant variety is accepted; and (b) after examining the application (including the subsequent detailed description) and any objection to the application, the Registrar is, or continues to be, satisfied that: (i) there is such a variety; and (ii) the variety is a registrable plant variety within the meaning of section 43; and (iii) the applicant is entitled to make the application; and (iv) the grant of that right is not prohibited by this Act; and (v) that right has not been granted to another person; and (vi) the name of the variety complies with section 27; and (vii) propagating material of that variety has been deposited for storage, at the expense of the applicant, in a genetic resource centre approved by the Registrar; and (viii) if the Registrar so requires, a satisfactory specimen plant of the variety has been supplied to the herbarium; and (ix) all fees payable under this Act in respect of the application, examination and grant have been paid; the Registrar must grant that right to the applicant. (2) If: (a) an application for PBR in a plant variety is accepted; and (b) the plant variety is a variety of a species indigenous to Australia; the Registrar must require supply of a satisfactory specimen plant of the variety to the herbarium. (3) If: (a) an application for PBR in a plant variety is accepted; and (b) the Registrar is not satisfied of all of the matters referred to in paragraph (1)(b); the Registrar must refuse to grant that right to the applicant. (4) The Registrar must not grant or refuse to grant PBR in a plant variety until at least 6 months after the giving of public notice of the detailed description of the variety. (5) If: (a) an application for PBR in a plant variety has been varied under section 31; and (b) the variation relates to the detailed description of the variety that has been given to the Registrar; and (c) the Registrar has given public notice of the variation; the Registrar must not grant, or refuse to grant, PBR in the variety until 6 months after giving public notice of the variation or of the last such variation. (6) If an objection to an application for PBR is made under section 35, the Registrar must give the applicant 30 days, starting when a copy of the objection is given to the applicant, or such longer period as the Registrar considers to be reasonable in the circumstances, to provide an answer to the objection. (7) A quantity of propagating material of a plant variety that is lodged with a genetic resource centre must be sufficient to enable that variety to be kept in existence if there were no other propagating material of plants of that variety. (8) The delivery and storage of propagating material of a plant variety does not affect the ownership of the material but the material must not be dealt with otherwise than for the purposes of this Act. (9) The propagating material of a plant stored at a genetic resource centre may be used by the Registrar for the purposes of this Act, including the purposes of section 19. (10) PBR is granted to a person by the issue to that person by the Registrar of a certificate in an approved form, signed by the Registrar, containing such particulars of the plant variety concerned as the Registrar considers appropriate. (11) If the PBR is granted to persons who make a joint application for the right, the right is to be granted to those persons jointly. (12) If the Registrar refuses to grant PBR in a plant variety, the Registrar must, within 30 days of so refusing, notify the applicant: (a) of the refusal; and (b) of the reasons for the refusal.
45 Grant of PBR to be exclusive (1) Subject to subsection (3), only one grant of PBR may be made under this Act in relation to a plant variety. (3) If: (a) a person is the grantee of PBR in a plant variety (the initial variety); and (b) another person is the grantee of PBR in another plant variety; and (c) the other variety is declared to be essentially derived from the initial variety; subsection (1) does not prevent PBR in the initial variety extending to the other variety.
46 Grant of PBR to be entered on Register (1) When the Registrar grants PBR in a plant variety, the Registrar must enter in the Register: (a) a description, or description and photograph, of a plant of that variety; and (b) the name of the variety and any proposed synonym; and (c) the name of the grantee; and (d) the name and address of the breeder; and (e) the address for the service of documents on the grantee for the purposes of this Act as shown on the application for the right; and (f) the day on which the right is granted; and (g) such other particulars relating to the granting as the Registrar considers appropriate. (2) When a variety (the derived variety) is declared to be essentially derived from another variety (the initial variety), the Registrar must enter in the Register both in respect of the derived variety and the initial variety: (a) the fact that the declaration has been made; and (b) the day on which the declaration was made.
47 Notice of grant of PBR (1) The Registrar must, as soon as possible after granting PBR to a person, give public notice of the grant in the Plant Varieties Journal. (2) The Registrar must, as soon as possible after the making of a declaration that a plant variety is an essentially derived variety of another plant variety, give public notice of the making of the declaration in the Plant Varieties Journal.
48 Effect of grant of PBR (1) If a person is granted PBR in a plant variety: (a) any other person who was entitled to make, but had not made, application for the right in the variety: (i) ceases to be entitled to make such application; and (ii) is not entitled to any interest in the right; and (b) any other person who had made application for the right in the variety: (i) ceases to be entitled to have his or her application considered or further considered; and (ii) is not entitled to any interest in the right. (2) Subsection (1) does not prevent a person: (a) from applying for a revocation of the rights under section 50; or (b) from instituting proceedings before a court or the AAT in relation to the right; or (c) from applying for a declaration that the plant variety in which the right was granted is essentially derived from another plant variety in which the person holds PBR. (3) If: (a) PBR in a particular plant variety is granted to a person; and (b) another person (the eligible person) was entitled, at law or equity, to an assignment of the right to make an application for the PBR; the eligible person is entitled to an assignment of the PBR.
49 PBR may be subject to conditions (2) The Minister may impose such conditions on PBR that is to be granted or that has been granted as the Minister considers to be necessary in the public interest. (3) If the Minister imposes conditions on PBR: (a) the Registrar must give public notice of those conditions and give the grantee a copy of the instrument setting them out; and (b) the Registrar must enter details of those conditions in the Register. Division 2—Revocation of Plant Breeder’s Right or declaration of essential derivation
50 Revocation of PBR (1) The Registrar must revoke PBR in a plant variety or a declaration that a plant variety is essentially derived from another plant variety if: (a) the Registrar becomes satisfied that facts existed that, if known before the grant of that right or the making of that declaration, would have resulted in the refusal to grant that right or make that declaration; or (b) the grantee has failed to pay a fee payable in respect of that right or of that declaration within 30 days after having been given notice that the fee has become payable. (2) The Registrar may revoke PBR in a plant variety if: (a) the Registrar is satisfied that a person to whom that right has been assigned or transmitted has failed to comply with section 21; or (aa) the Registrar is satisfied that the grantee, without reasonable excuse, has failed to comply with the requirements of a notification under section 37; or (b) the Registrar is satisfied that the grantee has failed to comply with a condition imposed under section 49. (3) If the Registrar revokes PBR in a plant variety or a declaration that a plant variety is essentially derived from another plant variety, the Registrar must, within 7 days after the decision to revoke was taken, notify the decision, and the reasons for the decision, to the grantee of the right that has been revoked or to the grantee of the right that was affected by the giving of the declaration of essential derivation. (4) The Registrar must not revoke PBR under this section unless: (a) the Registrar has given the grantee, or any person to whom the Registrar believes that right has been assigned or transmitted, particulars of the grounds of the proposed revocation; and (b) the grantee or that other person has had 30 days after being given those particulars to make a written statement to the Registrar in relation to the proposed revocation. (5) The Registrar must not under this section, revoke a declaration that a plant variety is essentially derived from another plant variety (the initial variety) unless: (a) the Registrar has given the grantee of PBR in the initial variety, or any person to whom the Registrar believes that that PBR has been assigned or transmitted, particulars of the grounds of the proposed revocation of that declaration of essential derivation; and (b) the grantee or that other person has had 30 days after being given those particulars to make a written statement to the Registrar in relation to the proposed revocation. (6) The revocation of PBR in a plant variety or of a declaration that a plant variety is essentially derived from another plant variety takes effect: (a) if no application for review of the revocation is made to the AAT—at the end of the period within which such an application might be made; or (b) if such an application is made—at the time when the application is withdrawn, or finally determined, whether by the Tribunal or by a court. (7) Nothing in this section affects the power of: (a) the Federal Court, or a Judge of that Court, under subsection 44A(2) of the AAT Act; or (b) the Federal Circuit Court, or a Judge of that Court, under subsection 44A(2A) of that Act. (8) A person whose interests are affected by the grant of PBR in a plant variety may apply to the Registrar, in writing, for the revocation of the right. (9) A person whose interests are affected by the making of a declaration that a plant variety is essentially derived from another plant variety may apply to the Registrar, in writing, for a revocation of that declaration. (9A) An application under subsection (8) or (9) is of no effect unless it is accompanied by the prescribed fee. (10) If the Registrar decides not to revoke PBR in a plant variety in accordance with an application under subsection (8) or not to revoke a declaration of essential derivation in accordance with subsection (9), the Registrar must, within 7 days of making that decision, notify the person who applied for the revocation of the decision and of the reasons for the decision.
51 Entry of particulars of revocation (1) If: (a) PBR in a plant variety is revoked in accordance with section 50; or (b) the Registrar is served with a copy of an order of a court given under subsection 54A(2) revoking that right; the Registrar must: (c) enter particulars of the revocation in the Register; and (d) give public notice of the revocation. (2) If the holder of PBR in a plant variety fails to pay the prescribed annual fee for the renewal of the right by the last day for payment of that fee, the holder is taken to have surrendered the right. (3) The Registrar must: (a) enter particulars of the surrender in the Register; and (b) give public notice of the surrender.
52 Surrender of PBR The holder of PBR in a plant variety may, at any time, by written notice to the Registrar, offer to surrender that right.
Part 5 Enforcement of Plant Breeder’s Right
53 Infringement of PBR (1) Subject to sections 16, 17, 18, 19 and 23, PBR in a plant variety is infringed by: (a) a person doing, without, or otherwise than in accordance with, authorisation from the grantee of the right, an act referred to in a paragraph of section 11 in respect of the variety or of a dependent variety; or (b) a person claiming, without, or otherwise than in accordance with, authorisation from the grantee of that right, the right to do an act referred to in a paragraph of section 11 in respect of that variety or of a dependent variety; or (c) a person using a name of the variety that is entered in the Register in relation to: (i) any other plant variety of the same plant class; or (ii) a plant of any other variety of the same plant class. (1A) To avoid doubt, an infringement of PBR in a plant variety under paragraph (1)(c) can include using a synonym in relation to the name of a plant variety, if that synonym is entered in the Register under paragraph 46(1)(b). (2) If a plant variety (the derived variety) has been declared to be an essentially derived variety of another plant variety (the initial variety), the reference in paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) to authorisation from the grantee of the right means, in relation to the derived variety, authorisation from both the grantee of PBR in the derived variety and from the grantee of PBR in the initial variety. (3) In this section, a reference to the grantee of PBR in a plant variety includes a reference to a person who has, by assignment or transmission, become the holder of that right. (4) In this section, if a grantee of a PBR in a plant variety has granted an exclusive licence in relation to that right, a reference to the grantee is taken to be a reference to the exclusive licensee.
54 Actions for infringement (1) An action for infringement of PBR in a plant variety may be begun in the Federal Court or the Federal Circuit Court only by the grantee or an exclusive licensee of the grantee. (2) If an exclusive licensee of a grantee of PBR in a plant variety begins an action for infringement of that right, the licensee must make the grantee a defendant in the action, unless the grantee is joined as a plaintiff. (3) A grantee who is made a defendant in an action is not liable for costs if the grantee does not take part in the proceedings.
54A Counterclaims to actions for infringement (1) A defendant in an action for infringement of PBR in a plant variety may apply, by way of counterclaim, for revocation of that right on the ground that: (a) the variety was not a new plant variety; or (b) facts exist that would have resulted in the refusal of the grant of that right if they had been known to the Registrar before the grant of that right. (2) If, in an action for infringement of PBR in a plant variety: (a) the defendant applies, by way of counterclaim, for the revocation of that right; and (b) the court is satisfied that a ground for revocation of that right exists; the court may make an order revoking that right. (3) If the court revoked PBR in a plant variety on the counterclaim of a defendant, the court may order the defendant to serve on the Registrar a copy of the order revoking that right.
55 Declarations as to non infringement (1) A person who proposes to perform an act described in a paragraph of section 11 in relation to the propagating material of a plant variety may, by an action in the Federal Court or the Federal Circuit Court against the grantee of PBR in a plant variety, apply for a declaration that the performance of that act would not constitute an infringement of that right. (2) A person may apply for a declaration whether or not there has been an assertion of an infringement of PBR by the grantee of that right. (3) The court must not make such a declaration unless: (a) the person proposing to perform the act: (i) has applied in writing to the grantee of the PBR concerned for an admission that the proposed performance of the act would not infringe that right; and (ii) has given the grantee full written particulars of the propagating material concerned; and (iii) has undertaken to repay all expenses reasonably incurred by the grantee in obtaining advice in the declaration; and (b) the grantee has refused or failed to make such an admission. (4) The costs of all parties in proceedings for a declaration under this section are to be paid by the person seeking the declaration unless the court otherwise orders. (5) The validity of a grant of PBR in a plant variety is not to be called in question in proceedings for a declaration under this section. (6) The making of, or the refusal to make, a declaration under this section does not imply that a grant of PBR in a plant variety is, or is not, valid. (7) The grantee must be joined as a respondent in the proceedings. (8) In this section: grantee includes an exclusive licensee of the grantee.
56 Jurisdiction of the Federal Court (1) The Federal Court has jurisdiction with respect to matters in which actions may, under this Part, be begun in the Federal Court. (2) That jurisdiction is exclusive of the jurisdiction of all other courts other than the jurisdiction of: (a) the Federal Circuit Court under subsection 56A(2); and (b) the High Court under section 75 of the Constitution. (3) The relief that the Federal Court may grant in an action or proceeding for infringement of PBR includes an injunction (subject to such terms, if any, as the Federal Court thinks fit) and, at the option of the plaintiff, either damages or an account of profits. (3A) The Federal Court may include an additional amount in an assessment of damages for an infringement of PBR, if the Court considers it appropriate to do so having regard to: (a) the flagrancy of the infringement; and (b) the need to deter similar infringements of PBR; and (c) the conduct of the party that infringed the PBR that occurred: (i) after the act constituting the infringement; or (ii) after that party was informed that it had allegedly infringed the PBR; and (d) any benefit shown to have accrued to that party because of the infringement; and (e) all other relevant matters. (4) The regulations may make provision in relation to the practice and procedure of the Federal Court in actions under this Act, including provision prescribing the time within which any action may be begun, or any other act or thing may be done, and providing for the extension of any such time. (5) Subsection (4) does not limit the power of the Judges of the Federal Court or a majority of them to make Rules of Court under section 59 of the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 that are consistent with the regulations referred to in that subsection.
56A Jurisdiction of Federal Circuit Court (1) The Federal Circuit Court has jurisdiction with respect to matters in which actions may, under this Part, be begun in the Federal Circuit Court. (2) That jurisdiction is exclusive of the jurisdiction of all other courts, other than the jurisdiction of: (a) the Federal Court under subsection 56(2) of this Act; and (b) the High Court under section 75 of the Constitution. (3) The relief that the Federal Circuit Court may grant in an action or proceeding for infringement of PBR includes an injunction (subject to such terms, if any, as the Federal Circuit Court thinks fit) and, at the option of the plaintiff, either damages or an account of profits. (3A) The Federal Circuit Court may include an additional amount in an assessment of damages for an infringement of PBR, if the Court considers it appropriate to do so having regard to: (a) the flagrancy of the infringement; and (b) the need to deter similar infringements of PBR; and (c) the conduct of the party that infringed the PBR that occurred: (i) after the act constituting the infringement; or (ii) after that party was informed that it had allegedly infringed the PBR; and (d) any benefit shown to have accrued to that party because of the infringement; and (e) all other relevant matters. (4) The regulations may make provision in relation to the practice and procedure of the Federal Circuit Court in actions under this Act, including provision prescribing the time within which any action may be begun, or any other act or thing may be done, and providing for the extension of any such time. (5) Subsection (4) does not limit the power of the Judges of the Federal Circuit Court, or a majority of them, to make Rules of Court under section 81 of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia Act 1999 that are consistent with the regulations referred to in that subsection.
57 Innocent infringement (1) A court may refuse to award damages, or to make an order for an account of profits, against a person in an action for infringement of PBR in a plant variety, if the person satisfies the court that, at the time of the infringement, the person was not aware of, and had no reasonable grounds for suspecting, the existence of that right. (2) If the propagating material of plants of the plant variety, labelled so as to indicate that PBR is held in the variety in Australia, has been sold to a substantial extent before the date of the infringement, the person against whom the action for infringement is brought is taken to have been aware of the existence of PBR in the variety, unless the contrary is established.
57A Application for relief from unjustified threats (1) If a person is threatened by another person (the respondent) with proceedings for infringement of PBR in a plant variety, or other similar proceedings, an aggrieved person (the applicant) may apply to the Federal Court or Federal Circuit Court for: (a) a declaration that the threats are unjustified; and (b) an injunction against the continuance of the threats; and (c) the recovery of any damages sustained by the applicant as a result of the threats. (2) The Federal Court or Federal Circuit Court may include an additional amount in an assessment of damages sustained by the applicant as a result of the unjustified threats, if the Court considers it appropriate to do so having regard to: (a) the flagrancy of the threats; and (b) the need to deter similar threats; and (c) the conduct of the respondent that occurred after the respondent made the threats; and (d) any benefit shown to have accrued to the respondent because of the threats; and (e) all other relevant matters. (3) A threat mentioned in subsection (1) may be by means of circulars, advertisements or otherwise. (4) Subsection (1) applies whether or not the respondent is the grantee of the PBR in the plant variety or an exclusive licensee of the grantee.
57B Court’s power to grant relief The Federal Court or Federal Circuit Court may grant the relief sought by an applicant under section 57A, unless the respondent satisfies the Court that: (a) the respondent is the grantee of the PBR in the plant variety or an exclusive licensee of the grantee; and (b) the acts about which the threats were made infringe, or would infringe, the PBR in the plant variety.
57C Counterclaim for infringement (1) The respondent in proceedings under section 57A may apply, by way of counter claim, for relief to which the respondent would be entitled in separate proceedings against the applicant for infringement of the PBR in the plant variety. (2) The provisions of this Act relating to proceedings for infringement of PBR in a plant variety apply, with the necessary changes, to a counter claim under subsection (1).
57D Notification of PBR in a plant variety not a threat The mere notification of the existence of PBR in a plant variety does not constitute a threat of proceedings for the purposes of section 57A.
57E Liability of legal practitioner A legal practitioner is not liable to proceedings under section 57A in respect of an act done in a professional capacity on behalf of a client.
Part 6 Administration
58 Registrar of Plant Breeder’s Rights (1) There is established by this section a Registrar of Plant Breeder’s Rights. (2) The office of the Registrar of Plant Breeder’s Rights is an office in the Department. (3) The Registrar has the functions and powers that are conferred on the Registrar by this Act or by the regulations.
59 Delegation Delegation of Minister’s statutory powers and functions (1) The Minister may, by signed instrument, delegate to the Registrar, or to an SES employee, or acting SES employee, in the Department, any of the powers or functions of the Minister under this Act or the regulations. Delegation of Registrar’s statutory powers and functions (3) The Registrar may, by signed instrument, delegate to a prescribed employee, or employees in a prescribed class, any of the powers or functions of the Registrar under this Act or the regulations. Subdelegation of delegated powers and functions (4) A person to whom a power or function under this Act or the regulations has been delegated by the Minister under subsection (1) may, by signed instrument, delegate the power or function to a prescribed employee, or employees in a prescribed class. (5) A power or function that is exercised or performed by an employee under a delegation under subsection (4) is taken, for the purposes of this Act and the regulations, to have been exercised or performed by the Minister. Requirement to act under direction or supervision (6) If required by an instrument under subsection (3) or (4) delegating a power or function to an employee, the employee must exercise the power or perform the function under the direction or supervision of: (a) the person who delegated the power or function to the employee; or (b) another employee specified in the instrument. This subsection applies whether the instrument identifies the employee specifically or by reference to a class. Definition (7) In subsections (3), (4), (5) and (6):
60 Certain persons not to acquire PBR (1) A person must not apply for, or otherwise acquire, except than by will or by operation of law, PBR in a plant variety or an interest in such right if the person has during the 12 months before the application, held, or performed the duties of: (b) the office of Registrar of Plant Breeder’s Rights; or (c) an office in the Department the duties of which involve providing assistance to the Registrar. Penalty: 60 penalty units. (2) A grant of PBR applied for in contravention of subsection (1) or an acquisition of PBR in contravention of that subsection is void.
61 Register of Plant Varieties (1) The Registrar must keep a register, to be known as the Register of Plant Varieties, at a place approved by the Registrar. (1A) The Registrar must maintain, for the purposes of this Act, a list of all plant classes to be known as the Registrar’s List of Plant Classes. (1B) In maintaining that list the Registrar must, for so long as the Union maintains the document presently known as the List of Classes for Variety Denomination Purposes, have regard to that list and to any variations to that list as so maintained. (1C) The list maintained by the Registrar must be kept as a part of the Register. (2) In order to foster public access to the information contained in the Register, the Registrar may disseminate that information on the internet or in such other manner as the Registrar considers most likely to enhance its accessibility.
62 Inspection of Register (1) A person may inspect the Register at any reasonable time. (2) A person is entitled, on payment of such fee (if any) as is prescribed, to be given a copy of an entry in the Register. (3) For the purposes of subsection (2), a reference to an entry in the Register does not include a reference to the Registrar’s List of Plant Classes or to any part of that list.
62A Registrar’s power to rectify Register (1) The Registrar may rectify the Register if the Registrar is satisfied, whether on application or otherwise, of any of the following: (a) the omission of an entry from the Register; (b) an entry made in the Register without sufficient cause; (c) an entry wrongly existing in the Register; (d) an error or defect in an entry in the Register. Form of application (2) An application under subsection (1) must be in the approved form. Further information (3) The Registrar: (a) may seek further information from any person for the purpose of considering an application under subsection (1); and (b) is not required to consider the application while seeking the further information. Persons to be heard (4) The Registrar must not rectify the Register under this section in relation to PBR in a plant variety without first giving the following persons a reasonable opportunity to be heard: (a) in the case of an application to rectify the Register—the applicant; (b) the grantee of the PBR as recorded in the Register; (c) any other person the Registrar considers appropriate. Relevant proceedings pending (5) The Registrar must not rectify the Register under this section in relation to PBR in a plant variety while: (a) relevant proceedings in relation to the PBR are pending; or (b) proceedings in a court or in the AAT, relating to a decision under section 21 to amend, or refuse to amend, the Register in relation to the PBR, are pending.
Part 8 Miscellaneous
68 Public notices (1) The Registrar must issue a journal, to be called the Plant Varieties Journal, at least 4 times each year. (2) Any public notice that the Registrar is required to make under this Act must be published in the Journal. (3) Public notice of any matter additional to the matters referred to in subsection (2) that the Registrar considers it necessary or desirable to publicise may also be published in the Journal. (4) If the Registrar considers it desirable to give additional public notice of matters by publishing notices of those matters in a periodical other than the Journal, the Registrar may arrange for, or consent to, the giving of additional public notice of those matters in the periodical.
69 Notices inviting submissions in respect of certain regulations (1) Regulations must not be made for the purposes of subsection 17(2) or 22(3) unless, before the making of the regulations: (a) the Minister has, in accordance with section 68, given public notice of the Minister’s intention to make a regulation for the purposes of that subsection in relation to a particular taxon that is specified in the notice; and (b) the notice has given a broad indication of the objectives of the intended regulations and invited persons to make submissions to the Minister concerning it within a period of 30 days after the publication of the notice. (2) If the Minister receives, in accordance with an invitation in a public notice under subsection (1), a submission concerning an intended regulation, the Minister must have regard to the submission so made.
70 Genetic resource centres (1) If, in the opinion of the Registrar, a place is suitable for the storage and maintenance of germplasm material, the Registrar may, by notice in writing, declare that place to be a genetic resource centre for the purposes of this Act. (2) The person in charge of a genetic resource centre may do all things necessary to maintain the viability of propagating material stored at that centre.
71 The herbarium If, in the opinion of the Registrar, an organisation has facilities suitable for the storage of plant specimens, the Registrar may, by notice in writing, declare the organisation to be the herbarium for the purposes of this Act.
72 Agents may act in matters relating to PBR Subject to any other law of the Commonwealth, including Rules of Court of the High Court, the Federal Court or the Federal Circuit Court, an application, a written submission or any other document may be prepared or lodged, and any business may be transacted, for the purposes of this Act, by one person on behalf of another person.
72A Notifications by Registrar under this Act or regulations (1) If under this Act or the regulations the Registrar is required or permitted: (a) to notify a person of a matter; or (b) to notify a person that the person is required to do a thing; the Registrar may so notify the person by any means of communication (including by electronic means). (2) However, the notification must be by a means of communication such that the content of the notification is readily accessible so as to be usable for subsequent reference.
72B Manner in which documents may be lodged with or given to Registrar For the purposes of this Act and the regulations, a document may be lodged with, or given to, the Registrar by a means determined in an instrument under subsection 72C(1).
72C Approved means of lodging or giving documents (1) For the purposes of section 72B, the Registrar may, by writing, determine one or more means for lodging a document with, or giving a document to, the Registrar. (2) The means may be an electronic means or any other means. (3) The Registrar must give public notice setting out the determination. (4) The Registrar may, in a determination under subsection (1), specify that one or more means for lodging a document with, or giving a document to, the Registrar are preferred means. (5) A determination under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
73 If: (a) this Act provides for a document to be served on, or given or sent to, a person; and (b) the person has given the Registrar an address in Australia or New Zealand for service; the document may be served on, or given or sent to, the person by a prescribed means to that address.
74 Infringement offences (1) A person must not, in relation to propagating material of a plant variety in which PBR has been granted, do any of the acts referred to in a paragraph of section 11 if such an act would, under section 53, infringe the PBR in the variety. Penalty: 500 penalty units. (1A) In subsection (1), strict liability applies to the physical element of circumstance, that the infringement of the PBR would be under section 53. (2) The fact that an action for infringement has been brought against a person under section 54 in respect of a particular act does not prevent a prosecution under this section in respect of the same act.
75 Offences other than infringement offences (1) A person must not make a false statement in an application or other document given to the Registrar for the purposes of this Act. Penalty: 6 months imprisonment. (2) A person who is not the grantee of PBR in a plant variety must not represent to another person that he or she is the grantee of PBR in that variety. Penalty: 60 penalty units. (3) A person must not represent to another person that PBR granted to that first mentioned person in a plant variety extends to cover another plant variety that is not: (a) a dependent variety of the first mentioned variety; or (b) a variety that has been declared to be an essentially derived variety of the first mentioned variety. Penalty: 60 penalty units. (4) A person must not represent to another person that a plant of a variety in which PBR has not been granted is a plant of a variety in which PBR has been granted. Penalty: 60 penalty units.
76 Conduct by directors, employees and agents (1) If, in proceedings for an offence against section 74 or 75, it is necessary to establish the state of mind of a body corporate in relation to particular conduct, it is sufficient to show: (a) that the conduct was engaged in by a director, employee or agent of the body corporate, within the scope of his or her actual or apparent authority; and (b) that the director, employee or agent had the state of mind. (2) Any conduct engaged in on behalf of a body corporate by a director, employee or agent of the body corporate within the scope of his or her actual or apparent authority is to be taken, for the purposes of a prosecution for an offence against section 74 or 75, to have been engaged in also by the body corporate unless the body corporate establishes that the body corporate took reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence to avoid the conduct. (3) If, in proceedings for an offence against section 74 or 75, it is necessary to establish the state of mind of a person other than a body corporate in relation to a particular conduct, it is sufficient to show: (a) that the conduct was engaged in by an employee or agent of the person, within the scope of his or her actual or apparent authority; and (b) that the employee or agent had the state of mind. (4) Any conduct engaged in on behalf of a person other than a body corporate by an employee or agent of the person within the scope of his or her actual or apparent authority is to be taken, for the purposes of a prosecution for an offence against section 74 or 75, to have been engaged in also by the first mentioned person unless the first mentioned person establishes that the first mentioned person took reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence to avoid the conduct. (5) If: (a) a person other than a body corporate is convicted of an offence; and (b) the person would not have been convicted for the offence if subsections (3) and (4) had not been enacted; the person is not liable to be punished by imprisonment for that offence. (6) A reference in subsection (1) or (3) to the state of mind of a person includes a reference to: (a) the knowledge, intention, opinion, belief or purpose of the person; and (b) the person’s reasons for the intention, opinion, belief or purpose. (7) A reference in this section to a director of a body corporate includes a reference to a constituent member of a body corporate incorporated for a public purpose by a law of the Commonwealth, of a State or of a Territory. (8) A reference in this section to engaging in conduct includes a reference to failing or refusing to engage in conduct. (9) A reference in this section to an offence against section 74 or 75 includes a reference to an offence: (a) against section 6 of the Crimes Act 1914; or (b) that is taken to have been committed because of section 11.2 or 11.2A of the Criminal Code; or (c) against section 11.1, 11.4 or 11.5 of the Criminal Code; that relates to section 74 or 75 of this Act.
76A Doing act when PBR office reopens after end of period otherwise provided for doing act (1) If the last day of a period provided by this Act (except this section) or the regulations for doing an act is a day when the PBR office or a PBR sub office is not open for business, the act may be done in prescribed circumstances on the next day when the office or sub office is open for business. (2) For the purposes of this section, the PBR office or a PBR sub office is taken not to be open for business on a day: (a) declared by regulations to be a day on which the office or sub office is not open for business; or (b) declared, by a prescribed person in writing published in the prescribed way, to be a day on which the office or sub office is not open for business. Declarations (3) A declaration mentioned in paragraph (2)(a) or (b) may identify the day by reference to its being declared a public holiday by or under a law of a State or Territory. This does not limit the way the declaration may identify the day. (4) A declaration mentioned in paragraph (2)(b): (a) may be made before, on or after the day; and (b) is not a legislative instrument. Relationship with other law (5) This section has effect despite the rest of this Act. (6) Subsection 36(2) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 does not apply in relation to the act mentioned in subsection (1) of this section. Exception for prescribed act (7) This section does not apply to a prescribed act.
76B Computerised decision making (1) The Registrar may arrange for the use, under the Registrar’s control, of computer programs for any purposes for which the Registrar may, or must, under this Act or the regulations: (a) make a decision; or (b) exercise any power or comply with any obligation; or (c) do anything else related to making a decision to which paragraph (a) applies or related to exercising a power, or complying with an obligation, to which paragraph (b) applies. (2) For the purposes of this Act and the regulations, the Registrar is taken to have: (a) made a decision; or (b) exercised a power or complied with an obligation; or (c) done something else related to the making of a decision or the exercise of a power or the compliance with an obligation; that was made, exercised, complied with or done by the operation of a computer program under an arrangement made under subsection (1). Substituted decisions (3) The Registrar may substitute a decision for a decision the Registrar is taken to have made under paragraph (2)(a) if the Registrar is satisfied that the decision made by the operation of the computer program is incorrect.
77 Applications for review (1) Applications may be made to the AAT for review of: (a) a decision by the Minister under subsection 49(2); or (b) a decision by the Registrar: (i) under subsection 19(7) to exercise a power under subsection 19(3); or (ii) under subsection 19(3) to license, or refuse to license, a person who applied to be so licensed in response to an invitation under paragraph 19(8)(c); or (iii) under subsection 19(10) to make propagating material available; or (iv) under subsection 19(11) to certify, or to refuse to certify, a plant variety; or (iva) under section 21 to amend, or refuse to amend, the Register; or (v) under section 30 to accept or reject an application; or (vi) under section 31 to vary, or refuse to vary, an application; or (vii) under subsection 34(1) refusing to extend the period for giving a detailed description; or (viii) under section 37 to require a test growing; or (viiia) under paragraph 37(2B)(b) not to proceed further with an application, objection or request for revocation; or (ix) under subsection 38(4) to the effect that the Registrar is satisfied of the matters referred to in that subsection; or (x) under subsection 38(5) to the effect that the Registrar is satisfied of the matters referred to in that subsection; or (xi) under subsection 39(2) to give a notification to an applicant; or (xii) under paragraph 40(8)(b) refusing to extend the period for rebutting the prima facie case of essential derivation; or (xiii) under section 40 in respect of an application for a declaration of essential derivation; or (xiiia) under subsection 41A(5) to refuse to consider an application for a declaration of essential derivation; or (xiiib) under subsection 41B(3) to publish, or not to publish, information in a notification under subsection 41B(1) or (2); or (xiiic) under subsection 41D(1) to make, or to refuse to make, a declaration of essential derivation; or (xiiid) under section 41E to conduct, or not to conduct, a test growing; or (xiv) under section 41 to require a test growing; or (xv) under section 44 to grant, or refuse to grant, PBR in a plant variety; or (xvi) under section 50 to revoke, or not to revoke, PBR in a plant variety or a declaration that a plant variety is essentially derived from another plant variety; or (xvii) under section 62A to rectify, or refuse to rectify, the Register. (1A) If: (a) the Registrar is taken to have made a decision (the initial decision) under paragraph 76B(2)(a); and (b) under subsection (1) of this section, applications may be made to the AAT for review of the initial decision; and (c) the Registrar, under subsection 76B(3), substitutes a decision for the initial decision; applications may be made to the AAT for review of the substituted decision. (2) The AAT does not have power under subsection 29(7) of the AAT Act to extend the time for making an application to that Tribunal under subsection (1) or (1A) of this section for a review of a decision. (3) The Registrar must give public notice of: (a) any application made under subsection (1) or (1A); and (b) any decision of the AAT on such an application; and (c) any decision of a court in relation to, or arising out of: (i) such an application; or (ii) a decision of the AAT on such an application. (4) In this section: decision has the same meaning as in the AAT Act.
79 Compensation for acquisition of property (1) If, apart from this section, the operation of this Act would result in an acquisition of property from a person otherwise than on just terms, the Commonwealth is to pay the person such reasonable amount of compensation as is agreed on between the person and the Commonwealth, or failing agreement, as is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. (2) Any damages or compensation recovered, or other remedy given, in proceedings that are begun otherwise than under this section must be taken into account in assessing compensation payable in proceedings begun under this section and arising out of the same event or circumstance. (3) In this section: acquisition of property has the same meaning as in paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution. just terms has the same meaning as in paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution.
80 Regulations (1) The Governor General may make regulations prescribing all matters: (a) required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed; or (b) necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Act. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), that subsection includes the power to make regulations: (a) prescribing fees including: (i) fees payable in respect of the making of applications for PBR, the examination of those applications and the issue of certificates in respect of the grant of PBR; and (ii) fees payable in respect of the making of applications for declarations of essential derivation, the examination of those applications and the making of those declarations, including giving interested persons the opportunity to be heard in relation to applications for declarations under section 41D; and (iii) fees payable by grantees of PBR at specified intervals or on specified dates; and (iv) fees payable in respect of costs incurred by the Registrar in respect of the conduct or supervision of the test growing of plants; and (v) different fees for lodging a document with, or giving a document to, the Registrar according to the means by which the document is lodged or given; and (vi) different amounts of a fee according to the means by which the fee is paid; and, if the matter is not dealt with by another provision of this Act, specifying the time at which, or the circumstances in which, such fees are to be paid; and (b) making provision in relation to the refund, in specified circumstances, of the whole or part of a fee paid under this Act; and (c) making provision in relation to the remission of, or the exemption of specified classes of persons from the payment of, the whole or a part of a fee; and (d) making provision in relation to the amendment of an entry in the Register to correct a clerical error or an obvious mistake, or for any other purpose; and (e) making such transitional and saving provisions as are necessary or convenient as a result of the repeal of the Plant Variety Rights Act 1987 and the enactment of this Act. (3) A fee must be paid by a means determined in an instrument under subsection 80A(1).
80A Approved means of paying a fee (1) For the purposes of subsection 80(3), the Registrar may, by writing, determine one or more means for paying a fee. (2) The means may be an electronic means or any other means. (3) The Registrar must give public notice setting out the determination. (4) The Registrar may, in a determination under subsection (1), specify that one or more means for paying a fee are preferred means. (5) A determination under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.
Part 9 Transitional
81 Definitions In this Part: commencing day means the day on which, in accordance with section 2, this Act commences. old Act means the Plant Variety Rights Act 1987.
82 Plant variety rights under old Act to be treated as PBR under this Act (1) If: (a) a person was granted plant variety rights in respect of a plant variety under the old Act; and (b) those rights were still in force immediately before the commencing day; then, subject to the regulations, those rights have effect, despite the repeal of the old Act, on and after that day, as if: (c) this Act had been in force at the time when those rights were granted; and (d) they had been granted at that time as PBR in that variety. (2) Despite subsection (1), rights treated as if they had been granted as PBR under this Act continue in force for so long only as they would have continued in force if the old Act had not been repealed. (3) Nothing in this section gives the holder of rights treated as PBR in a particular plant variety under this Act the right to claim PBR in respect of plant varieties that would, under this Act, be dependent plant varieties in relation to that particular plant variety. (4) Nothing in this section gives the holder of rights treated as PBR in a particular plant variety under this Act the right to seek a declaration that another plant variety is an essentially derived variety of the particular plant variety unless PBR in that other plant variety was given only on or after the commencing day.
83 Applications for plant variety rights lodged and criminal proceedings begun before commencing day (1) If, before the commencing day: (a) a person has made application for plant variety rights under the old Act; but (b) the application has not been finally disposed of under that Act; the provisions of the old Act are taken to continue in force, for the purpose of dealing with the application, and any objection that has been made before that day, or is made after that day, in relation to the application. (2) If before the commencing day, criminal proceedings had been begun under the old Act but those proceedings had not been finally determined before that day, the provisions of the old Act are taken to continue in force, for the purposes of those proceedings.
84 Other applications and proceedings under old Act (1) Subject to the regulations, this Act applies, on and after the commencing day, to any application, request, action or proceeding made or started under the old Act and not finally dealt with or determined under that Act before that day as if the application, request, action or proceeding had been made or started under a corresponding provision of this Act. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to an application for plant variety rights, or to criminal proceedings, covered by section 83.
86 Register of Plant Varieties On and after the commencing day, the Register of Plant Varieties under the old Act is taken to form part of the Register of Plant Varieties under this Act.
