Drought puts spotlight on climate-resilient crops, but breeders warned not to overlook IP

As Europe faces severe drought, attention is turning to the development of climate-resilient crop varieties. However, intellectual property specialists warn that scientific innovation alone is insufficient; breeders must also secure proper legal protections and commercialization strategies, such as plant breeders’ rights and variety listing. Delays or confusion regarding ownership, filing, and naming can jeopardize the value and success of new varieties, especially in an international context. Effective management of intellectual property is essential for breeders to bring climate-resilient crops to market and ensure long-term agricultural resilience.