Laws of Tanzania ActiveThe Plant Breeders’ Rights Act
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©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.319 CHAPTER 344 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION] Arrangement of Sections Section Title part i PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS 1. Short title. 2. Interpretation. part ii PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS OFFICE 3. Establishment of plant breeders’ rights office. 4. Appointment of Registrar. 5. Functions of Registrar. 6. Register of plant breeders’ right. 7. Evidence of certain entries and documents. 8. Inspection of register. 9. Plant Breeders’ Rights Advisory Committee. 10. Function of Committee. 11. Powers of Committee. part iii VARIETIES TO BE PROTECTED 12. Genera and species to be protected. 13. Conditions of protection. 14. Novelty. 15. Distinctness. 16. Uniformity. 17. Stability. part iv APPLICATION FOR PLANT BREEDER’S RIGHT 18. Application for breeder’s right. 19. Contents of application. 20. Variety denomination. . Stability. part iv APPLICATION FOR PLANT BREEDER’S RIGHT 18. Application for breeder’s right. 19. Contents of application. 20. Variety denomination. ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.320 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] part v CONSIDERATION AND DISPOSITION OF APPLICATION 21. Filing date of application. 22. Right of priority. 23. Amendment of application. 24. Publication of notice of application. 25. Objection to proposed grant of breeder’s right. 26. Grounds for objection. 27. Notice to applicant and reply to objection. 28. Disposition of applications. part vi PROVISIONAL AND FINAL PROTECTION 29. Provisional protection. 30. Scope of breeder’s right essentially derived and certain other varieties. 31. Exceptions to breeder’s right. 32. Exhaustion of breeder’s right. 33. Duration of plant breeder’s right. 34. Protection and damages for infringement of breeder’s right. 35. Annual fees. part vii NULLITY, CANCELLATION AND SURRENDER OF BREEDER’S RIGHT 36. Nullity of breeder’s right. 37. Cancellation of breeder’s right. 38. Notification of nullification and cancellation. 39. Surrender of breeder’s right. part viii AUTHORISATION AND ASSIGNMENTS 40. Authorisation or assignment of breeder’s right. 41. on and cancellation. 39. Surrender of breeder’s right. part viii AUTHORISATION AND ASSIGNMENTS 40. Authorisation or assignment of breeder’s right. 41. Restrictions on exercise of breeder’s right. 42. Information on authorisation assignment and transmission. part ix APPEALS 43. Appeals Board. 44. Appeals from decision of Registrar. 45. Decision of Appeals Board. ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.321 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] part x PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS DEVELOPMENT FUND, ACCOUNTS, AUDIT AND ANNUAL REPORT 46. Plant Breeder’s Rights Development Fund. 47. Accounts and audit. 48. Annual report to be submitted to Minister. part xi OFFENCES AND PENALTIES 49. Offences and penalties. part xii GENERAL PROVISIONS 50. Collection of fees. 51. Confidentiality. 52. Actions against State. 53. Breeder’s right in respect of existing varieties of recent creation. 54. Agreement with foreign governments. 55. Agents. 56. Repeal and savings. 57. Registrar to make guideline. 58. Regulations. ties of recent creation. 54. Agreement with foreign governments. 55. Agents. 56. Repeal and savings. 57. Registrar to make guideline. 58. Regulations. ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.322 CHAPTER 344 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT An Act to provide for the grant and protection of plant breeders’ rights, for establishment of Plant Breeders’ Rights Office and for related matters. [1st June, 2013] [GN. No. 150 of 2013] Act No. 9 of 2012 PART I PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS 1. This Act may be cited as Plant Breeders’ Rights Act. 2. ers. [1st June, 2013] [GN. No. 150 of 2013] Act No. 9 of 2012 PART I PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS 1. This Act may be cited as Plant Breeders’ Rights Act. 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires- “Appeals Board” means the Appeals Board established under section 43; “agent” in relation to an applicant or a holder of plant breeder’s right, means a person who is duly authorised by the applicant or holder to act on behalf of the applicant or holder; “applicant” means the breeder entitled to file an application for the grant of a breeder’s right in accordance with the definition of “breeder” provided for in this Act; “breeder” means- (a) a person who bred or discovered and developed a variety; (b) a person who is the employer of the person who bred or discovered and developed a variety or who has commissioned the employer’s work; or; (c) a successor in title of a person mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b); “breeder’s right” means the right of the breeder provided for under this Act; Short title Interpretation f a person mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b); “breeder’s right” means the right of the breeder provided for under this Act; Short title Interpretation ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.323 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.323 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] “Committee” means a Plant Breeders’ Rights Advisory Committee established under section 9; “Fund” means the Fund established under section 46; “legal representative” means- (a) a liquidator or receiver of a company; (b) a representative of any person who- (i) has become insolvent or bankrupt; (ii) has assigned his estate; (iii) is an infant or minor; (iv) is of unsound mind; (v) is otherwise under a disability; or (vi) has died; “Minister” means the Minister responsible for agriculture; “Ministry” means the Ministry responsible for agriculture; “register” means the register of plant breeders’ rights kept in terms of section 6; “Registrar” means the Registrar of Plant Breeders’ Rights appointed in accordance with section 4; “reproductive material” means a plant or part of the plant used to multiply the plant; “sell” means to offer, advertise, keep, expose, transmit, convey, deliver or prepare for sale or exchange or dispose off for any consideration or transmit, convey or deliver in pursuance of the sale; “variety” means a plant grouping within a single botanical taxon of the lowest known rank, which grouping, irrespective of whether the conditions for the grant of a breeder’s right are fully met, can be- (a) defined by the expression of the characteristics resulting from a given genotype or combination of genotypes; (b) distinguished from any other plant grouping by the expression of at least one of the said characteristics; and (c) considered as a unit with regard to its suitability for being propagated unchanged; he expression of at least one of the said characteristics; and (c) considered as a unit with regard to its suitability for being propagated unchanged; ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.324 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] PART II PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS OFFICE 3. There is established within the Ministry responsible for agriculture, an office to be known as the Plant Breeders’ Rights Office. 4.–(1) The Minister shall, by notice published in the Gazette, appoint a person or an officer who has the relevant academic qualifications and experience in plant breeding field or sector to be a Registrar who shall perform the functions conferred to or imposed on the Registrar of Plant Breeders’ Rights under this Act. (2) The Minister shall, where necessary, appoint deputy Registrars and other officers who, subject to the direction of the Registrar, shall assume some of the powers and privileges conferred to the Registrar pursuant to this Act. 5. ers who, subject to the direction of the Registrar, shall assume some of the powers and privileges conferred to the Registrar pursuant to this Act. 5. The functions of the Registrar shall be to- (a) grant breeders’ rights; (b) maintain a register and provide information on plant breeders’ rights issued in Tanzania; (c) facilitate transfer and licensing of plant breeders’ rights; (d) collaborate with local and international bodies whose functions relate to plant breeders’ rights matters; and (e) to perform any other functions as are necessary for the furtherance of the objects of this Act. 6.–(1) The Registrar shall maintain an official breeders’ rights register in which all information required to be registered under this Act shall be entered. (2) The information to be listed in the register for each registered variety shall include- (a) species and denomination of a variety; (b) the full name and address of- (i) the applicant or holder of the breeder’s right; Establishment of plant breeders’ rights office Appointment of Registrar Functions of Registrar Register of plant breeders’ right the breeder’s right; Establishment of plant breeders’ rights office Appointment of Registrar Functions of Registrar Register of plant breeders’ right ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.325 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] (ii) the person who bred or discovered and developed the variety, in case such person is different from the applicant or holder of the breeder’s right; (c) the date and time of inception of the breeder’s right; (d) all other matters which- (i) are required by this Act or any other written law to be entered in the register; (ii) otherwise, affect the validity or ownership of plant breeders’ rights; and (e) any other information, which may be required by regulations made under this Act. (3) The register shall be a prima facie evidence of any matter entered therein. 7.–(1) A certificate purporting to be signed by the Registrar certifying that any entry under this Act, has or has not been made or that any other requirement has not been fulfilled shall be a prima facie evidence of the matter so certified. er this Act, has or has not been made or that any other requirement has not been fulfilled shall be a prima facie evidence of the matter so certified. (2) A copy of - (a) an entry in the register or of any document lodged in terms of this act; or (b) an extract from the register or from any document lodged in terms of this Act, which purports to be certified by the Registrar, shall be admitted as evidence. 8.–(1) The register shall be open for inspection by any member of the public at all convenient times during business hours. (2) A certified copy of any entry in the register shall be given upon request and payment of the prescribed fee. 9.–(l) There is established a Committee to be known as the Plant Breeders’ Rights Advisory Committee. (2) The Committee subject to gender consideration, shall be composed of the following members who shall be appointed by the Minister: Evidence of certain entries and documents Inspection of register Plant Breeders’ Rights Advisory Committee ers who shall be appointed by the Minister: Evidence of certain entries and documents Inspection of register Plant Breeders’ Rights Advisory Committee ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.326 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] (a) one representative from the Ministry, who shall be the Chairman to the Committee; (b) one representative of plant breeders association; (c) one representative of seed trader’s association; (d) one representative from registered farmers association; (e) one representative of a university offering a course on plant breeding; (f) one representative of an authority responsible for registration of intellectual property rights; (g) one representative of the Attorney General; and (h) a person responsible for granting breeders’ rights in Tanzania Zanzibar. (3) The Registrar shall be the Secretary of the Committee. 10.The functions of the Committee shall be to- (a) advise the Minister on efficient enforcement of this Act; (b) receive reports of plant breeders’ rights applications from the Registrar; (c) make expert consideration on the plant breeders’ rights reports and on the Registrar’s tests results; and (d) manage the operations of the Fund. 11. ) make expert consideration on the plant breeders’ rights reports and on the Registrar’s tests results; and (d) manage the operations of the Fund. 11. The Committee shall, in fulfilling its functions, have powers to- (a) make its own rules of procedure; (b) give the Registrar directives of specific and general nature; (c) call applicants and other interested persons for hearing before the approval by the Registrar of a plant breeder’s right application. PART III VARIETIES TO BE PROTECTED 12.–( 1) The protection of varieties under this Act shall apply to all plant genera and species. Function of Committee Powers of Committee Genera and species to be protected of varieties under this Act shall apply to all plant genera and species. Function of Committee Powers of Committee Genera and species to be protected ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.327 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] 13.–(1) The breeder’s right shall be granted with respect to a variety which is new distinct, uniform and stable. (2) The grant of the breeder’s right shall not be subject to any further or different conditions, provided that the variety is designated by a denomination in accordance with the provisions of section 20 and the applicant complies with the formalities provided for under this Act and that he pays the required fees. ance with the provisions of section 20 and the applicant complies with the formalities provided for under this Act and that he pays the required fees. 14.–(1) The variety shall be deemed to be new if at the date of filing of the application for a breeder’s right, propagating or harvested material of the variety has not been sold or otherwise disposed off to any person by or with the consent of the breeder for purposes of exploitation of the variety- (a) in the territory of the United Republic of Tanzania, earlier than one year before the date of filing the application; (b) in a territory other than that of the United Republic of Tanzania- (i) earlier than four years; or (ii) in the case of trees or vines, earlier than six years before the said date. t of the United Republic of Tanzania- (i) earlier than four years; or (ii) in the case of trees or vines, earlier than six years before the said date. (2) Subject to subsection (1), the following acts shall not be considered to result in the loss of novelty: (a) trials of the variety not involving sale or disposal off to others for purposes of exploitation of the variety; (b) sale or disposal off to others without the consent of the breeder; (c) sale or disposal off to any person that forms part of an agreement for the transfer of rights to the successor in title; (d) sale or disposal off to any person that forms part of an agreement under which a person multiplies propagating material of the variety concerned on behalf of the breeder, provided that: (i) the property in the multiplied material reverts to the breeder, Conditions of protection Novelty oncerned on behalf of the breeder, provided that: (i) the property in the multiplied material reverts to the breeder, Conditions of protection Novelty ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.328 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] (ii) the multiplied materials is not used for the production of another variety; (e) sale or disposal off to any person that forms part of an agreement under which a person undertakes field tests or laboratory trials, or small-scale processing trials with a view of evaluating the variety; (f) sale or disposal off to any person that forms part of the fulfillment of a statutory or administrative obligation concerning biological security or the entry of varieties in an official catalogue of varieties admitted to trade; (g) sale or disposal off to any person of harvested material which is a by-product or a surplus product of the creation of the variety or of the activities referred to in paragraphs (e) and (f) provided that the said material is sold or disposed off without variety identification for the purposes of consumption; and (h) disposal off to any person due to or in consequence of the fact that the breeder had displayed the variety at an official or officially recognised exhibition. off to any person due to or in consequence of the fact that the breeder had displayed the variety at an official or officially recognised exhibition. 15.–(1) A variety shall be deemed distinct where it is clearly distinguishable from any other variety whose existence is a matter of common knowledge at the time of the filing of the application. (2) For purposes of subsection (1), the filing of an application for the granting of breeder’s right or for the entering of another variety in the official register of varieties in any country, shall be deemed to render that other variety a matter of a common knowledge from the date of the application, provided that the application leads to the granting of breeder’s right or to the entering of other said other variety in the official register of varieties. 16. A variety shall be deemed uniform if, subject to the variation that may be expected from the particular features of its propagation, it is sufficiently uniform in its relevant characteristics. Distinctness Uniformity t may be expected from the particular features of its propagation, it is sufficiently uniform in its relevant characteristics. Distinctness Uniformity ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.329 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] 17. A variety shall be deemed to be stable, where its relevant characteristics remain unchanged after repeated propagation or in the case of a particular cycle of propagation, at the end of each cycle. PART IV APPLICATION FOR PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS 18. A breeder of a new variety may apply for the grant of a breeder’s right for that variety. 19. ycle. PART IV APPLICATION FOR PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS 18. A breeder of a new variety may apply for the grant of a breeder’s right for that variety. 19. The application for breeder’s right relating to a variety shall contain the following: (a) the name and address of the applicant; (b) where the applicant is the successor in title of the person who bred, or discovered and developed, the variety- (i) proof of title or authority in the form and content satisfactory to the Registrar or as may be specified by regulations establishing the existence and validity of the assignment or succession; and (ii) the name and address of the person who bred, or discovered and developed, the variety; (c) the proposed denomination, along with the description of the characteristics of the variety as the Registrar may require; (d) samples of propagating material in such quantities as the Registrar may require; and (e) additional information, documents and material that may be required in connection with the application as may be prescribed in the regulations. nd (e) additional information, documents and material that may be required in connection with the application as may be prescribed in the regulations. 20.–(l) The variety shall be designated by a denomination which shall be its generic designation and subject to subsection (5), no rights in the designation registered as the denomination of the variety shall hamper the free use of the denomination in connection with the variety even after the expiration of the breeder’s right. Stability Application for breeder’s right Contents of application Variety denomination h the variety even after the expiration of the breeder’s right. Stability Application for breeder’s right Contents of application Variety denomination ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.330 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] (2) The denomination- (a) shall enable the varieties to be identified; (b) shall not be liable to mislead or to cause confusion concerning the characteristics, value or identity of the variety or the identity of the breeder; (c) shall be different from every denomination which designates, in the territory of any member of international organisation dealing with plant breeders’ rights matters to which Tanzania is a party, an existing variety of the same plant species or of a closely related species; and (d) may not consist solely of figures except where this is an established practice for designating varieties. (3) The denomination of the variety shall be submitted by the applicant to the Registrar and where the Registrar finds that the denomination does not satisfy the requirements of this section, he shall refuse to register it and require the applicant to propose another denomination within the period to be prescribed in the regulations. ction, he shall refuse to register it and require the applicant to propose another denomination within the period to be prescribed in the regulations. (4) The denomination shall be registered by the Registrar at the time the breeder’s right is granted. (5) Prior rights of third persons shall not be affected and where, by reason of a prior right, the use of the denomination of a variety is forbidden to a person who, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (9), is obliged to use it, the Registrar shall require the applicant to submit another denomination for the variety. (6) Where the variety is already protected by a member of an international organisation dealing with the plant breeders’ rights matters to which Tanzania is a party or an application for the protection of the same variety is filed in a member of such organisation, the variety denomination which has been proposed or registered in that other member of the organisation shall be submitted by the applicant to the Registrar. (7) The Registrar shall register the denomination submitted, unless he considers the denomination unsuitable within the he applicant to the Registrar. (7) The Registrar shall register the denomination submitted, unless he considers the denomination unsuitable within the ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.331 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] territory of the United Republic and in case the denomination is unsuitable, he shall require the applicant to submit another denomination. (8) The Registrar shall in writing, inform the authorities of the members of an international organisation dealing with the plant breeders’ rights matters to which Tanzania is a party, on matters concerning variety denominations, in particular the submission, registration and cancellation of the denominations. (9) A person who, within the territory of the United Republic offers for sale or markets propagating material of a variety protected within the said territory shall be obliged to use the denomination of that variety, even after the expiration of the breeder’s right in that variety, except where, prior rights prevent such use. o use the denomination of that variety, even after the expiration of the breeder’s right in that variety, except where, prior rights prevent such use. (10) When a variety is offered for sale or marketed, it shall be permitted to associate a trademark, trade name or other similar indication with a registered variety denomination and where such an indication is so associated, the denomination shall nevertheless be easily recognisable. PART V CONSIDERATION AND DISPOSITION OF APPLICATION 21.–(1) The filing date of an application shall be the date, which the application was received by the Registrar. (2) For purposes of this section, an application shall be deemed to have been received on the date that the required parts of the application are received in the form sufficient for consideration under this Act. (3) An application filed with the authority responsible for the breeders’ rights in Zanzibar shall be deemed to be an application for the same variety filed with the Registrar. Filing date of application le for the breeders’ rights in Zanzibar shall be deemed to be an application for the same variety filed with the Registrar. Filing date of application ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.332 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] 22.–(1) A breeder who has duly filed an application for the protection of a variety in one of the members of an international organisation dealing with plant breeders’ rights matters which Tanzania is a party shall enjoy a right of priority for a maximum period of twelve months, this period shall be computed from the date of filing the first application and the day of filing shall not be included in the latter period. (2) The applicant shall, in order to benefit from the right of priority in the subsequent application in the United Republic, claim within twelve months the priority of the first application. (3) The Registrar may require the applicant to furnish, within a period of not less than three months from the filing date, a copy of the documents which constitute the first application certified to be a true copy by the authority with which that application was filed and samples or other evidence indicating that the variety which is the subject matter of both applications is the same. ich that application was filed and samples or other evidence indicating that the variety which is the subject matter of both applications is the same. (4) The applicant shall, within a period of two years after the expiration of the period of priority or a period of six months where the first application is rejected or withdrawn, be allowed to furnish to the Registrar any necessary information, document or material required in this Act for the purpose of the examination. 23.–(1) An applicant may amend his application for the grant of a breeder’s right for a variety at any time without affecting its filing date, provided that, the amendment does not affect the variety which is the subject of the application. (2) Where any amendment of an application occurs after publication of a notice under section 24, the applicant shall be liable to pay the cost of republication. 24. The Registrar shall publish in the Gazette and in a newspaper of vast circulation, a notice of every filed application for plant breeder’s right that satisfies the requirements of the Act specifying- (a) the name and address of the applicant; Right of priority Amendment of application Publication of notice of application ents of the Act specifying- (a) the name and address of the applicant; Right of priority Amendment of application Publication of notice of application ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.333 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] (b) the filing date of the application; (c) the proposed denomination; and (d) such other information as may be specified in the regulations. 25.–(1) A person may, within two months of publication of a notice under section 24, lodge with the Registrar a written objection to the matter specified in that notice. (2) The Minister may, on behalf of the Government, lodge an objection under this section. (3) A notice of objection made under subsection (1) shall- (a) specify the ground on which the objection is based; (b) include a statement of the facts alleged in support of the grounds stated under paragraph (a); and (c) be supported by an affidavit or other proof, if required by the Registrar. 26. s alleged in support of the grounds stated under paragraph (a); and (c) be supported by an affidavit or other proof, if required by the Registrar. 26. An objection lodged pursuant to section 25 shall be based on allegation of one or more of the following grounds: (a) that the applicant is not entitled to file the application; (b) that the application contains a material misrepresentation; (c) that the contents of the application do not comply with this Act or the Regulations. 27.–(l) The Registrar shall notify the applicant of an objection under section 25 and provide him with a copy of the notice of an objection and all supporting documents that are lodged with the objection within two weeks from the date of filing the objection. (2) The applicant may respond to the allegation of the objector, in a written reply which shall be lodged to the Registrar and copied to the objector, within one month or such further period as the Registrar may allow from the date of notification made under subsection (1). (3) The Minister may, on behalf of the Government, lodge a reply to any objection lodged against the Government. Objection to proposed grant of breeder’s right Grounds for objection Notice to applicant and reply to objection jection lodged against the Government. Objection to proposed grant of breeder’s right Grounds for objection Notice to applicant and reply to objection ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.334 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] 28.–(1) The Registrar shall, upon completion of the notice requirements under section 24 and the expiration of time limits for objections and replies, examine the application and a reply. (2) Upon any decision to grant a breeder’s right which requires an examination for compliance with the conditions specified under this Act, the Registrar may, in the course of the examination, grow or cause to be grown the variety or carry out other necessary tests, or take into account the results of growing tests or other trials which have already been carried out. (3) The Registrar may, for the purposes of examination, require the breeder to furnish all the necessary information, document or material. (4) The Minister may appoint one or more persons based on their special knowledge to advise the Registrar in the examination of applications. aterial. (4) The Minister may appoint one or more persons based on their special knowledge to advise the Registrar in the examination of applications. (5) Where the Registrar concludes that- (a) the application conforms to the requirements of this Act; (b) the applicant is entitled to file the application; (c) no objection has been filed; (d) in respect of objections filed, there are no grounds for objection; and (e) the objection filed does not state an impediment to the granting of the breeder’s right for the variety, he shall grant a breeder’s right. (6) For each variety for which breeder’s right is granted, the Registrar shall- (a) issue a certificate of registration to the applicant; (b) enter the variety in the register as provided for under section 6; and (c) publish a notice of the grant of breeder’s right and the approved denomination in the Gazette. (7) A grant of breeder’s right made by the authority responsible for granting breeders’ rights in Zanzibar shall have the same effect as the grant of breeder’s right of the same variety made by the Registrar. Disposition of applications ’ rights in Zanzibar shall have the same effect as the grant of breeder’s right of the same variety made by the Registrar. Disposition of applications ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.335 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] PART VI PROVISIONAL AND FINAL PROTECTION 29. The holder of a breeder’s right shall be entitled to equitable remuneration from any person who, during the period between the publication of the application under section 24 for the grant of a breeder’s right and the date of the grant of that right, has carried out acts which, once the right is granted, require the breeder’s authorisation as provided for under section 30. 30.–(1) Subject to sections 31 and 32, the following acts in respect of the propagating material of the protected variety shall require the authorisation of the holder of the breeder’s right: (a) production or reproduction (multiplication); (b) conditioning for the purpose of propagation; (c) offering for sale; (d) selling or marketing; (e) exporting; (f) importing; and (g) stocking for any purposes mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (f). (2) The holder of the breeder’s right may make his authorisation subject to conditions and limitations. y purposes mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (f). (2) The holder of the breeder’s right may make his authorisation subject to conditions and limitations. (3) Subject to the provisions of sections 31 and 32, the acts referred to in paragraph (a) to (g) of subsection (1) in respect of harvested material, including entire plants and parts of plants, obtained through the unauthorised use of propagating material of the protected variety shall require the authorisation of the holder of the breeder’s right, unless the holder of the breeder’s right has had reasonable opportunity to exercise his right in relation to the said propagating material. (4) Subject to sections 31 and 32, the acts referred to in paragraph (a) to (g) of subsection (1) in respect of products made directly from harvested material of the protected variety falling within the provision of subsection (3) through the Provisional protection Scope of breeder’s right essentially derived and certain other varieties ing within the provision of subsection (3) through the Provisional protection Scope of breeder’s right essentially derived and certain other varieties ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.336 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] unauthorised use of the said harvested material, shall require the authorisation of the breeder, unless the breeder has had reasonable opportunity to exercise his right in relation to the said harvested material. (5) The provisions of subsections (1), (2), (3) and (4) shall apply to- (a) varieties that are essentially derived from the protected variety where the protected variety is not itself an essentially derived variety; (b) varieties which are not clearly distinguishable in accordance with section 15 from the protected variety; and (c) varieties whose production requires the repeated use of the protected variety. hable in accordance with section 15 from the protected variety; and (c) varieties whose production requires the repeated use of the protected variety. (6) For the purposes of paragraph (a) of subsection (5), a variety shall be deemed to be essentially derived from another variety when- (a) it is predominantly derived from the initial variety, or from a variety that is itself predominantly derived form the initial variety, while retaining the expression of the essential characteristics that result from the genotype or combination of genotypes of the initial variety; (b) it is clearly distinguishable from the initial variety; and (c) except for the difference, which result from the act of derivation, it conforms to the initial variety in the expression of the essential characteristics that result from the genotype or combination of genotypes of the initial variety. (7) For the purposes of this section, essentially derived varieties may be obtained through means such as the selection of a natural or induced mutant, or of somaclonal variant, the selection of a variant individual from plants of the initial variety, backcrossing, or transformation by genetic engineering. somaclonal variant, the selection of a variant individual from plants of the initial variety, backcrossing, or transformation by genetic engineering. 31.–(1) The breeder’s right shall not extend to- (a) acts done privately and for non-commercial purposes; (b) acts done for experimental purposes; and Exceptions to breeder’s right all not extend to- (a) acts done privately and for non-commercial purposes; (b) acts done for experimental purposes; and Exceptions to breeder’s right ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.337 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] (c) acts done for the purpose of breeding other varieties and, except where the provisions of section 30(5) apply, acts referred to in section 30(1) to (4) in respect of such other varieties. (2) For the list of agricultural crops specified by the Minister, which shall not include fruits, ornamentals, vegetables or forests trees, the breeder’s right shall not extend to a farmer who, within reasonable limits and subject to the safeguarding of the legitimate interests of the holder of the breeder’s right, uses for propagating purposes on his own holding, the product of the harvest which he has obtained by planting on his own holding, the protected variety or a variety covered by section 30(5)(a) or (b). (3) The reasonable limits and the means of safeguarding the legitimate interests of the holder of the breeder’s right shall be specified in the regulations. e reasonable limits and the means of safeguarding the legitimate interests of the holder of the breeder’s right shall be specified in the regulations. 32.–(l) The breeder’s right shall not extend to acts concerning any material of the protected variety or of a variety covered by the provisions of section 30(5), which has been sold or otherwise marketed by the breeder or with his consent in the territory of the United Republic or any material derived from the said material, unless such acts- (a) involve further propagation of the variety in question; or (b) involve an export of material of the variety, which enables the propagation of the variety, into a country which does not protect varieties of the plant genus or species to which the variety belongs, except where the exported material is for final consumption purposes. (2) In this section “material” means, in relation to a variety- (a) propagating material of any kind; (b) harvested material, including entire plants and parts of plants; and (c) any product made directly from the harvested material. Exhaustion of breeder’s right ed material, including entire plants and parts of plants; and (c) any product made directly from the harvested material. Exhaustion of breeder’s right ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.338 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] 33.–(1) Except as set forth in Part VII, the breeder’s right granted under this Act shall expire after twenty years from the date of the grant except for trees and vines whose breeder’s right shall expire after twenty-five years from the date of grant. (2) The term may be extended for an additional five years, by a written notice to the Registrar given by the holder of the breeder’s right six months before the expiration of the original term. 34.–(1) Breeders’ rights are protected by both civil and criminal measures stipulated in any written law. (2) A suit by the holder of breeder’s right against any person who infringes the breeder’s right may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction. (3) The court may, in addition to the cost of the action, grant an injunction or damages or both, as it may appear to be reasonable in the circumstances of the case. 35. The holder of breeder’s right shall pay maintenance fee at time and rate specified in the regulations. easonable in the circumstances of the case. 35. The holder of breeder’s right shall pay maintenance fee at time and rate specified in the regulations. PART VII NULLITY, CANCELLATION AND SURRENDER OF BREEDER’S RIGHT 36.–(1) The Registrar shall declare a breeder’s right granted by him void when it is established that- (a) the conditions laid down in sections 14 and 15 were not complied with at the time of the grant of the breeder’s right; (b) where the grant of the breeder’s right has been essentially based upon information and documents furnished by the applicant, the conditions laid down in section 16 or 17 were not complied with at the time of the grant of the breeder’s right; or (c) the breeder’s right has been granted to a person who is not entitled to it unless it is transferred to the person who is so entitled. Duration of plant breeder’s right Protection and damages for infringement of breeder’s right Annual fees Nullity of breeder’s right ho is so entitled. Duration of plant breeder’s right Protection and damages for infringement of breeder’s right Annual fees Nullity of breeder’s right ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.339 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] (2) The breeder’s right shall not be declared null and void for reasons other than the reasons referred to in subsection (1). 37.–(l) The Registrar may cancel a breeder’s right granted by him where he has established that the conditions laid down in sections 16 or 17 are no longer fulfilled. (2) Without prejudice to subsection (1), the Registrar may cancel a breeder’s right granted by him, within the prescribed period provided in the regulations, where- (a) the holder of the breeder’s right does not provide the Registrar with the information, documents or material deemed necessary for verifying the maintenance of the variety; (b) the holder of the breeder’s right fails to pay such fees as may be payable to keep his right in force; or (c) the holder of the breeder’s right does not propose, where the denomination of the variety is cancelled after the grant of the right, another suitable denomination. the breeder’s right does not propose, where the denomination of the variety is cancelled after the grant of the right, another suitable denomination. (3) The breeder’s right shall not be declared cancelled for reasons other than the reasons referred to in subsection (1) and (2). 38.–(1) The Registrar shall notify the holder of the breeder’s right and any licensee of any decision made under section 36 or 37 of this Act and grounds for such decision. (2) A person receiving notice under subsection (1) may contest the decision, by a written objection lodged to the Registrar within thirty days from the date of receipt of notification of the decision. (3) The Registrar may hold, within a reasonable time after receipt of an objection, a hearing or may decide the matter based on written submissions of all interested parties. (4) Where the Registrar nullifies and cancels any breeder’s right under this section, he shall publish the nullification or cancellation by a notice in the Gazette, after expiration of thirty days from the date of the decision or following a decision made under subsection (3). Cancellation of breeder’s right Notification of nullification and cancellation date of the decision or following a decision made under subsection (3). Cancellation of breeder’s right Notification of nullification and cancellation ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.340 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] (5) The holder shall return to the Registrar any certificate of the grant of a breeder’s right that has been nullified or cancelled under this section. 39.–(1) Any holder of a breeder’s right may, by written notice to the Registrar, surrender the breeder’s right. (2) The Registrar shall, within one month from the date of receiving the notice under subsection (1), terminate breeder’s right and publish a notice in the Gazette of such termination. PART VIII AUTHORISATION AND ASSIGNMENTS 40. The holder of breeder’s right may assign or authorise any person, to undertake any activity described or referred to in section 30. 41.–(1) The free exercise of a breeder’s right shall, unless where expressly provided in this Act, not be restricted for reasons other than of public interest. he free exercise of a breeder’s right shall, unless where expressly provided in this Act, not be restricted for reasons other than of public interest. (2) When any such restriction has the effect of the Registrar granting of a compulsory authorisation in respect of a breeder’s right on the ground that it is necessary to safeguard the public interest, the person to whom the compulsory authorisation is granted shall pay the holder of the breeder’s right an equitable remuneration. 42.–(1) A person authorised under section 40 may, in not more than sixty days from the effective date of the authorisation, notify the Registrar of the transaction and furnish the Registrar with a copy of that authorisation agreement. (2) The Registrar may prescribe the form and manner of notification to be made under subsection (1). (3) Upon assignment or other transmission of all of a breeder’s right, the assignee or recipient shall notify the Registrar for the purposes of making changes in the register. Surrender of breeder’s right Authorisation or assignment of breeder’s right Restrictions on exercise of breeder’s right Information on authorisation assignment and transmission ht Authorisation or assignment of breeder’s right Restrictions on exercise of breeder’s right Information on authorisation assignment and transmission ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.341 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] PART IX APPEALS 43.–(1) The Minister shall appoint an Appeals Board consisting of three members in which one member shall be an expert in legal matters and two other members shall be experts qualified in agricultural science. (2) The Minister shall appoint one person from amongst members of the Appeals Board to be the Chairman. (3) The Appeals Board shall have power to- (a) prescribe its own rules of procedure; (b) order and secure the attendance of witnesses; (c) compel discovery and the production of documents; and (d) administer oath or affirmation to any witness. (4) The Appeals Board shall keep records of its proceedings. (5) The Appeals Board may appoint one or more persons with expert knowledge to serve the Appeals Board in an advisory capacity, either generally or with regard to a specific case or cases. 44.–(l) An appeal from the decisions of the Registrar made under this Act shall lie to the Appeals Board. or with regard to a specific case or cases. 44.–(l) An appeal from the decisions of the Registrar made under this Act shall lie to the Appeals Board. (2) A person who is aggrieved by any such decision may appeal to the Appeals Board by submitting a notice of the appeal within sixty days following the publication or of the receipt of the individual notice of such decision by the person whose interest is the source or subject of the appeal. 45.–(l) The Appeals Board may conduct investigation, if it deems necessary to do so, and may hold a hearing of the appeal or make a decision based on written submissions. (2) The Appeals Board may confirm, set aside or vary any decision or action of the Registrar, and may order the Registrar to carry out the decision of the Appeals Board. Appeals Board Appeals from decision of Registrar Decision of Appeals Board and may order the Registrar to carry out the decision of the Appeals Board. Appeals Board Appeals from decision of Registrar Decision of Appeals Board ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.342 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] (3) The Appeals Board shall give the reasons for its decision in writing, and copies thereof shall be furnished to the appellant, the Registrar and any other interested. (4) Subject to the provisions of this section, a decision of the Appeals Board shall be final. PART X PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS DEVELOPMENT FUND, ACCOUNTS, AUDIT AND ANNUAL REPORT 46.–(1) The Minister shall, after consultation with the Minister responsible for finance, establish a Fund to be known as the “Plant Breeders’ Rights Development Fund” into which moneys realised under this Act shall be kept. (2) The sources of moneys for the Fund shall include- (a) fees payable under this Act; (b) any donations or grants from the Government or any person. (2) The sources of moneys for the Fund shall include- (a) fees payable under this Act; (b) any donations or grants from the Government or any person. (3) The purposes of the Fund shall include financing of the following activities: (a) development and promotion of the plant breeders’ rights; (b) training of plant breeders on matters concerned with plant breeders’ rights; (c) establishment and maintenance of the variety collections and data base; and (d) such other activities relating to administration of the Act. (4) In addition to the functions entrusted to it under section 10, the Committee shall operate as the Fund Committee, whereby- (a) the Registrar shall be a member of the Fund Committee and shall serve as Secretary of the Fund; (b) the Fund Committee shall make rules and procedures for the operations and management of the Fund provided that such rules and procedures shall not be operative unless approved by the Minister. Plant Breeder’s Rights Development Fund nt of the Fund provided that such rules and procedures shall not be operative unless approved by the Minister. Plant Breeder’s Rights Development Fund ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.343 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] (5) Separate books of accounts and other records in respect of the moneys of the Fund shall be kept properly and maintained and be subject to audit. 47.–(1) The Plant Breeders’ Rights Office shall cause to be kept and maintained proper books of accounts with respect to- (a) all sums of moneys received and expended by the Plant Breeders’ Rights Office and matters in respect of which the receipt and expenditure take place; (b) all the assets and liabilities of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Office and the Fund; and (c) the income and expenditure statement of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Office. (2) The financial year of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Office and the Fund shall end on 30th June of each year. (3) The books of accounts of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Office and the Fund shall be audited at the end of each financial year by the Controller and Auditor-General. f accounts of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Office and the Fund shall be audited at the end of each financial year by the Controller and Auditor-General. 48.–(1) The Plant Breeders’ Rights Office shall, not later than six months after the end of each financial year, submit to the Minister a copy of the audited accounts and annual report on the activities of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Office in respect of that particular year. (2) The Minister shall, within a period of six months or such longer period as the National Assembly may, by resolution, appoint after the accounts have been audited, lay the audited accounts and audit report before the National Assembly. PART XI OFFENCES AND PENALTIES 49.–(1) A person who knowingly- (a) makes a false entry in the register; (b) makes a writing which falsely purports to be a copy of an entry in the register or of a document lodged with the Registrar; Accounts and audit Annual report to be submitted to Minister Offences and penalties entry in the register or of a document lodged with the Registrar; Accounts and audit Annual report to be submitted to Minister Offences and penalties ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.344 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] (c) produces or tenders a false entry of copy as evidence; (d) submits a false document or makes a false statement or representation to the Registrar in regard to any action described under this Act; (e) obstructs or hinders the Registrar or any officer in the exercise of his powers or the carrying out of his functions under this Act; (f) having been duly summoned to appear at any proceedings under this Act, fails without lawful excuse to appear; (g) having appeared as a witness at any proceedings under this Act, refuses without lawful excuse to be sworn or to make affirmation or to produce any document or answer any question which he may be lawfully required to produce or answer; (h) contravenes the obligation to use the denomination as required by section 20(9); (i) gives false information in any application or makes any false statement in evidence; and (j) violates breeder’s right, commits an offence. 20(9); (i) gives false information in any application or makes any false statement in evidence; and (j) violates breeder’s right, commits an offence. (2) A person who commits an offence referred to under this Act, shall on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding ten million shillings or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or to both. PART XII GENERAL PROVISIONS 50. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Registrar shall collect fees from the applicant or any other person filing a document or requesting access of administrative action under this Act, for each application, extension, filing, inquiry or other administrative process or service. Collection of fees administrative action under this Act, for each application, extension, filing, inquiry or other administrative process or service. Collection of fees ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.345 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] 51.–(1) The contents of any licence or assignment shall be confidential unless both parties agreed to permit access thereto by third parties and only to the extent of the permission so granted. (2) The applicant may declare some portion of the application to be confidential, and where declared so, the Registrar shall determine whether the application can be processed without publication or other violation of that confidentiality, and give the applicant the option of altering his statement of confidentiality or withdraw the application. r other violation of that confidentiality, and give the applicant the option of altering his statement of confidentiality or withdraw the application. (3) Except as otherwise provided for in this Act, any person who discloses any information made available under this Act, except to- (a) the Minister, Appeals Board, Registrar or any other person for the purposes of carrying out his duties or the performance of his functions under this Act; (b) a police officer for the purposes of an investigation or inquiry relating to the enforcement of the provisions of this Act; or (c) any other person when required to do so by any court or under any written law, commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five million shillings or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, or to both. 52.–(1) Subject to the existing law on taking action against the State, this Act shall be binding on the Government with regard to its applications for breeder’s right and other interests acquired or given in breeder’s right to the same extent and with the same effect as it applies to any other person. (2) A claim shall not lie against the State, Minister, Registrar or any other officer for anything done in good faith in the discharge of duties under the powers conferred by this Act. 53. State, Minister, Registrar or any other officer for anything done in good faith in the discharge of duties under the powers conferred by this Act. 53. Within twelve months from the date of commencement of this Act, the breeder of an existing variety of recent creation may apply to the Registrar in respect of that variety. Confidentiality Actions against State Breeder’s right in respect of existing varieties of recent creation to the Registrar in respect of that variety. Confidentiality Actions against State Breeder’s right in respect of existing varieties of recent creation ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.346 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] 54. The Minister may enter into bilateral or multilateral agreements with states and intergovernmental or non- governmental organisations in order to facilitate cooperation in testing. 55.–(l) Where the breeder is a non-resident or in the case of a corporation, does not have its registered office in United Republic he shall have an agent who is resident in United Republic. (2) The Registrar may, for any gross misconduct, prescribed cause or any other reasonable cause considered by the Registrar to be sufficient, refuse to recognise or to continue to recognise any person as authorised by the breeder to act in the capacity of agent. 56.–(1) [Repeals the Protection of New Plant Varieties (Plant Breeders’ Rights) Act.] (2) All regulations, rules, directions and decisions made under the repealed Act which are in force, on the effective date of this Act shall be deemed to be regulations and rules made or direction given under this Act unless revoked or cancelled. rce, on the effective date of this Act shall be deemed to be regulations and rules made or direction given under this Act unless revoked or cancelled. (3) All grants or certificates issued under the repealed Act and contract of service in force at the commencement of this Act shall continue to be in force and shall be deemed to have been made under this Act unless cancelled. 57. The Registrar shall make guidelines for the proper implementation of this Act and regulations made under this Act. 58.–(l) The Minister may make regulations prescribing anything which under this Act may be prescribed. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of the subsection (1), Regulations made shall prescribe- (a) various forms to be used under this Act; (b) the procedure to be followed in any proceedings before the Registrar; Agreement with foreign governments Agents Repeal and savings Act No. 22 of 2002 Registrar to make guidelines Regulations eedings before the Registrar; Agreement with foreign governments Agents Repeal and savings Act No. 22 of 2002 Registrar to make guidelines Regulations ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.347 THE PLANT BREEDERS’ RIGHTS ACT [CAP. 344 R.E. 2023] (c) specific information and facilities to be provided, and of the propagating and other material to be submitted with respect to a variety; (d) the tests, trials, examinations and other steps to be taken with respect to a variety, by applicants or by the Registrar and the time within which any such steps are to be taken; (e) the fees to be paid in respect of- (i) application for the grant of breeder’s right, for extension of its term; (ii) maintenance of breeder’s right; (iii) requests for administrative review, including objections to nullity and cancellation of breeder’s right, appeals from administrative decisions and other administrative actions; (iv) technical examination; (v) the inspection or obtained records in the register or other transaction involving a breeder’s right; (vi) provision of certified copy of any entry therein; (vii) any other fees to be paid under this Act. other transaction involving a breeder’s right; (vi) provision of certified copy of any entry therein; (vii) any other fees to be paid under this Act. ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.
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