Following the withdrawal agreement of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU), the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has informed the CPVO with regard to titles currently in force in the United Kingdom in this way:
Varieties with EU Plant Variety Rights granted by the CPVO and effective on 31 December 2020 continue to be protected under UK legislation in the UK for their remaining lifespan and are referred to as Retained EU Plant Variety Rights.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) requires holders of Retained EU Plant Variety Rights to provide an address for service in the UK or details of an UK agent, if they wish to retain Plant Variety Right, by the 29th of February 2024. Otherwise, the Retained EU Plant Variety Rights may be deemed to be terminated.
The administration of the transfer process is being carried out by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) under Defra’s guidance and with the assistance of Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Department of Environment and Rural Affairs Northern Ireland (DAERA NI).
The CPVO wishes to emphasise that this procedure is entirely under the responsibility of the UK authorities. More information and guidance on the procedure can be found on the official APHA website.