The Plant Variety Rights (PBR) framework in Türkiye is governed by Law No. 5042 on the Protection of Plant Breeders’ Rights for New Plant Varieties, fully harmonized with the standards of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Türkiye became the 65th member state of UPOV on November 18, 2007.

The Turkish system is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. All plant genera and species listed under the UPOV coding system are eligible for protection in Türkiye.

DUS Testing & Examination

The Turkish PBR system utilizes breeder-conducted testing to evaluate Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS). Breeders or their authorized representatives conduct comparative trials based on UPOV technical guidelines to demonstrate compliance with PBR criteria. Test and examination procedures are overseen nationally by the Variety Registration and Seed Certification Centre (TTSM).

Alternatively, DUS test results issued or currently being prepared by the examination offices of any UPOV member state can be submitted alongside the Turkish PBR application. Upon submission, local testing by TTSM is suspended, and the application proceeds directly to registration once the official DUS report and variety description are delivered.

Registration & Maintenance of Rights

Once technical examination is complete, the testing authority submits its report to the Registration Committee, and the registration decision is published in the Official Turkish Plant Varieties Bulletin.

• Maintenance Fees: Annual renewal fees must be paid by the end of January each year. Failure to pay results in the forfeiture of the protection right. There is no grace period for late payment; however, restoration of rights may be requested if non-payment was caused by force majeure.
• Term of Protection: Subject to timely payment of annual fees, protection lasts for 25 years from registration for standard crops, and 30 years for trees, vines, and potatoes.