Requirements: new, distinctive, homogenous and stable

A variety must meet four requirements before plant breeder’s rights can be granted. First of all, the variety must be new (it may not have been put to commercial use for more than one year). Secondly, it must be distinctive, i.e. it must differ from earlier varieties. Thirdly, the variety must be homogenous: plants of the variety may not differ too much from other plants of the same variety. Finally, the variety must be stable: its essential characteristics must be maintained after repeated reproduction. Finally, the name that you as the plant breeder have suggested must be approved by the authority granting the plant breeder’s rights.