植物品種保護條例 (第490章) (經2009年第2號條例修正)， 香港 (特区)，中国

• Chapter: 490 PLANT VARIETIES PROTECTION ORDINANCE
  • PART I PRELIMINARY
    • Section: 1 Short title
    • Section: 2 Interpretation
    • Section: 3 Application
    • Section: 4 Plants to which Ordinance applies
  • PART II REGISTRAR OF PLANT VARIETY RIGHTS AND REGISTER
    • Section: 5 Registrar of Plant Variety Rights
    • Section: 6 Appeals against decisions of the Registrar
    • Section: 7 Registrar not liable in respect of official acts
    • Section: 8 Register to be maintained
    • Section: 9 Rectification of the register
    • Section: 10 Registration to be prima facie evidence of validity
    • Section: 11 Certificate of validity of contested registration
    • Section: 12 Burden of proving use of plant variety right
  • PART III GRANT OF PLANT VARIETY RIGHTS
    • Section: 13 Application for grant
    • Section: 14 Objections before grant
    • Section: 15 Withdrawal or lapse of applications
    • Section: 16 Inspection of applications
    • Section: 17 Provisional protection
    • Section: 18 Making of grants
    • Section: 19 Varieties bred or discovered and developed by 2 or morepersons independently
    • Section: 20 Priority resulting from earlier applications
    • Section: 21 Cancellation of grants because of earlier applications
    • Section: 22 Duration of grant
    • Section: 23 Objections after grant
    • Section: 24 Cancellation of grants
    • Section: 25 Rights of grantees
    • Section: 26 Exceptions to grantees' rights
    • Section: 27 Rights under licence
    • Section: 28 Notice of protection
    • Section: 29 Use of reproductive material with permission of Registrar etc.
    • Section: 30 Use of denomination
    • Section: 31 Extension of grant of plant variety rights to cover essentially derived varieties
  • PART IV APPEALS
    • Section: 32 Rights of appeal
    • Section: 33 Right to appeal in person
    • Section: 34 Filing and notice of appeals
    • Section: 35 Advice to court as to technical or specialised matters
    • Section: 36 Procedure on appeal
    • Section: 37 Suspension of decision while appeal pending
  • PART V OFFENCES
    • Section: 38 Falsification of applications
    • Section: 39 Falsely representing plant variety right as registered
    • Section: 40 Misuse of denomination on sale of reproductive material
  • PART VI MISCELLANEOUS
    • Section: 41 Hours of business and business days
    • Section: 42 Regulations
  • Schedule: SCHEDULE

An Ordinance to provide for the protection of plant varieties.

[24 October 1997] L.N. 492 of 1997

(Originally 21 of 1996)

PART I

PRELIMINARY

(1) This Ordinance may be cited as the Plant Varieties Protection Ordinance.

(2) (Omitted as spent)

Remarks: Amendments retroactively made-see 25 of 1998 s. 2

In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires

"applicant" (申請人), in relation to any application, means the person by whom or on whose behalf that application is made;

"application" (申請) means-

(a) an application for a grant; and

(b) an application for a declaration under section 31(1)(b); "court" (法院) means the Court of First Instance; (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2) "denomination" (名目), in relation to any protected variety, or any variety that was a protected variety until the grant

made in respect of it expired, means the distinguishing name or identification approved for that variety by the Registrar under section 18(2)(a); "grant" (授權證) means a grant of plant variety rights under this Ordinance; "grantee" (承授人) means the holder of a grant and, in relation to a protected variety, means the holder of a grant in respect of that variety; "owner" (擁有人), in relation to any variety, means

(a) a person who bred or discovered and developed that variety;

(b) an agent of that person;

(c) a successor to that person; "plant" (植物) means

(a) any multicellular vascular organism with a root system;

(b) any algae;

(c) any fungi; "prescribed" (訂明) means prescribed or provided for by regulations made under section 42; "protected variety" (受保護品種) means a variety in respect of which a grant is in force; "publication" (公布) means public notification, and includes public notification in the Gazette; "register" (註冊紀錄冊) means the Register of Plant Variety Rights maintained under section 8(1); "Registrar" (處長) means the Registrar of Plant Variety Rights; "reproductive material" (生殖材料), in relation to any variety, means any portion of a plant of that variety by means

of which plants of that variety may be reproduced or propagated; and means spores and seeds;

"sale" (售賣) includes any disposition for valuable consideration and any offer for sale, and "sell" and "sold" (出售) have corresponding meanings;

"term" (有效期) means the period that a grant is in force under section 22;

"UPOV country" (聯盟成員國) means a country that is a member State of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, constituted pursuant to the international agreement called the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants;

"variety" (品種) means a cultivar of a plant to which this Ordinance, by virtue of section 4 and the Schedule, applies, and means any clone, hybrid, stock, or line, of such a plant, but does not mean a botanical variety of such a plant.

This Ordinance applies to the Government and the Offices set up by the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. (Amended 2 of 2009 s. 4)

Note:

* (Replaced 2 of 2009 s. 4)

Remarks: For the saving and transitional provisions relating to the amendments made by the Resolution of the Legislative Council (L.N. 130 of 2007), see paragraph (12) of that Resolution.

(1) This Ordinance applies to the plants listed in the Schedule.

(2) The Secretary for Food and Health may, by notice in the Gazette, amend the Schedule. (Amended 78 of 1999 s. 7; L.N. 106 of 2002; L.N. 130 of 2007)

Note:

* (Replaced 2 of 2009 s. 5)

PART II

REGISTRAR OF PLANT VARIETY RIGHTS AND REGISTER

(1) The Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation shall be the Registrar of Plant Variety Rights for the purposes of this Ordinance. (Amended L.N. 331 of 1999)

(2) The Registrar may authorize in writing any public officer to perform or exercise all or any of the functions which are imposed or conferred on him by this Ordinance.

Except as otherwise prescribed, an appeal lies to the court, to the extent and in the manner provided in Part IV, against any decision of the Registrar made under this Ordinance.

(1) The Registrar shall not be taken to warrant the correctness or validity of the registration of a plant variety right under this Ordinance or under any international agreement, or convention, which has been applied to Hong Kong.

(2)

The Registrar is not subject to any liability by reason only of the fact of any examination required or authorized by this Ordinance, or any such international agreement or convention, or any report or other proceedings consequent on such examination.

(3)

No proceedings lie against any public officer authorized by the Registrar under section 5(2) in respect of any matter for which, by virtue of this section, the Registrar is not liable.

(1)

The Registrar shall maintain a register called the Register of Plant Variety Rights.

(2)

There shall be entered in the register

(a)

notice of every decision of the Registrar to make or decline to make a grant of a plant variety right;

(b)

such particulars as may be required to be entered by this Ordinance or as may be prescribed; and

(c)

any other matters and information relating to plant varieties or plant variety rights whose entry in the register appears to the Registrar to be important or useful.

(3)

The register need not be kept in documentary form but shall be kept in such manner as may be prescribed by manual, mechanical, electronic, optical or other means, and provision shall in particular be prescribed for-

(a)

public inspection of the register;

(b)

the supply of certified or uncertified copies, or extracts, of entries in the register; and

(c)

publication in each year of any matter or information entered in the register, including information as and relating to plant varieties for which a grant has been made and which remains in force for that year.

(1)

Any person having a sufficient interest may apply to the Registrar for the rectification of an error or omission in the register.

(2)

Except where the Registrar directs otherwise, the effect of rectification of the register is that the error or omission in question shall be deemed never to have been made.

(3)

The Registrar may, on request made in the prescribed manner by the grantee of a registered plant variety right, enter any change in his name or address as recorded in the register.

Cap 490 - PLANT VARIETIES PROTECTION ORDINANCE

(4) The Registrar may remove from the register matter appearing to him to have ceased to have effect.

In any proceedings before the court relating to a registered plant variety right, the registration of a person as grantee of a plant variety right shall be prima facie evidence of the validity of the original registration and of any subsequent assignment or other transmission of it.

(1)

If in proceedings before the court the validity of the registration of a plant variety right is contested and it is found by the court that the plant variety right is validly registered, the court may give a certificate to that effect.

(2) If the court gives such a certificate and in subsequent proceedings- (a) the validity of the registration is again questioned; and

(b)

the grantee obtains a final order or judgment in his favour, he is entitled to his costs as between solicitor and client unless the court directs otherwise.

(3) Subsection (2) does not extend to the costs of an appeal in any such proceedings.

If in any proceedings before the court to which a grantee or a person authorized by licence or otherwise under section 25(1) is a party of a question arises as to the use to which a registered plant variety right has been put, it is for the grantee or that person to show what use has been made of it.

Cap 490 - PLANT VARIETIES PROTECTION ORDINANCE

PART III

GRANT OF PLANT VARIETY RIGHTS

(1)

Every application shall be in such manner and form as the Registrar may require and shall

(a)

be accompanied by the quantity of reproductive material, if any, prescribed in respect of varieties of the kind concerned;

(b)

be completed and signed by or on behalf of the applicant;

(c)

nominate an address for service in relation to that application, being an address within Hong Kong; and

(d)

be accompanied by the prescribed application fee.

(2)

Within the prescribed period after making an application, the applicant shall give to the Registrar-

(a)

in such detail as the Registrar requires, a description of-

(i)

the origin and breeding of the variety concerned;

(ii)

the botanical features of that variety; and

(iii) those aspects of that variety that, in the opinion of that applicant, distinguish it from those other varieties whose existence was a matter of common knowledge at the time of that application; and

(b)

the proposed denomination for that variety.

(3)

Within the prescribed period after being requested by the Registrar to do so, the applicant shall furnish the Registrar with-

(a)

such further reproductive material of the variety concerned as the Registrar may specify;

(b)

any other information that the Registrar thinks relevant and requests from that applicant.

(4)

An application that complies with subsection (1) at the time it is received at the office of the Registrar shall, for the purposes of this Ordinance, be deemed to be made at that time.

(5)

An application that does not comply with subsection (1) at the time it is received at the office of the Registrar shall, for the purposes of this Ordinance, be deemed to be made at the time at which it first complies with that subsection while being held at that office.

(6) If satisfied that an application complies with subsection (1) the Registrar shall-

(a)

notify in the Gazette the making of that application; and

(b)

advise the applicant accordingly.

(7)

The Registrar shall notify in the Gazette every proposed denomination for a variety given to the Registrar by any applicant that, in the opinion of the Registrar, complies with the prescribed requirements.

(8)

For the purposes of subsection (2)(a)(iii) and section 18(4)(b), common knowledge of a variety is established if that variety is a variety

(a)

in respect of which a grant or an application has been made under this Ordinance;

(b)

in respect of which in a UPOV country an equivalent grant or equivalent application has been made;

(c)

which has been precisely described in any publication;

(d)

which appears or has been included in a reference collection; or

(e)

which has been cultivated or marketed for a period exceeding the prescribed period.

(1)

Any person who considers that the Registrar should not approve a proposed denomination notified in the Gazette may, within 3 months of its notification in the Gazette under section 13(6)(a), by notice in writing to the Registrar, object to the approval of that denomination.

(2)

Any person who considers that an application has been made by or on behalf of an applicant who is not an owner of the variety concerned may, at any time before a grant is made to the applicant in respect of that variety, by notice in writing to the Registrar, object to the making of a grant in respect of that variety to the applicant.

(3)

Any person who considers that an application has been made in respect of a variety that is not new, distinct, stable, and homogeneous, as required by section 18(2)(d) may, at any time before a grant is made in respect of that variety, by notice in writing to the Registrar, object to the making of a grant in respect of that variety.

(4)

If an objection is made under this section, the Registrar shall not make a grant in respect of the variety concerned before giving the applicant concerned and the objector a reasonable opportunity to be heard.

(1) Any application may be withdrawn by the applicant at any time before a grant is made in respect of it.

(2)

The withdrawal of an application shall not affect the liability of the application for any fees that may have become payable up to the date of that withdrawal.

(3)

If any information or material required to be given to the Registrar under section 13(2) or (3) is not supplied within the prescribed period, the application concerned shall lapse upon the expiration of that period.

After an application is made, the Registrar shall hold it and any document or instrument accompanying it or supplied subsequently pursuant to section 13(2) or (3), or a copy of that document or instrument, certified by the Registrar to be a true copy, available for public inspection during ordinary business hours of the office of the Registrar.

(1)

Subject to subsection (2), on and after the day on which an application is made, the applicant shall have the same rights to take proceedings under this Ordinance as if on that day a grant had been made to the applicant in respect of the variety concerned.

(2)

The rights conferred by subsection (1) shall be treated as never having been conferred if the-

(a)

application concerned is withdrawn or lapses; or

(b)

Registrar declines to make a grant in respect of that application.

(1)

The Registrar shall-

(a)

subject to section 19, make a grant in respect of every application that is eligible for the making of a grant; and

(b)

decline to make a grant in respect of every application that is not eligible for the making of a grant.

(2)

An application shall be treated as being eligible for the making of a grant if, and only if, the applicant has given the Registrar all reproductive material of the variety concerned requested by the Registrar, and the Registrar-

(a)

has approved for that variety a denomination proposed by the applicant;

(b)

is satisfied that that applicant is an owner of that variety;

(c)

has received the prescribed fee; and

(d)

is satisfied that that variety is new, distinct, stable, and homogeneous.

(3)

The Registrar shall approve a proposed denomination for a variety if, and only if, in the opinion of the Registrar, it complies with the prescribed requirements.

(4)

For the purposes of subsection (2)(d)-

(a)

subject to subsection (6), a variety is new if there has been no sale of that variety with the agreement of any relevant owner of that variety

(i)

in Hong Kong, for more than 12 months before the date on which that application was made; and

(ii)

outside Hong Kong, for more than 6 years before that date in the case of trees or vines, or for more than 4 years before that date in every other case;

(b)

a variety is distinct if it is clearly distinguishable from any other variety whose existence was a matter of common knowledge when the application concerned was made;

(c)

a variety is stable if, in its relevant characteristics, it remains true to its description-

(i)

where the applicant concerned has described particular cycles of propagation or reproduction for that variety, at the end of each such cycle; and

(ii)

in every other case, after repeated propagation or reproduction;

(d)

a variety is homogeneous if all of its plants carry, exhibit or show the same expression of that variety's relevant characteristics, subject to any variation which may be expected having regard to any particular feature of its propagation or reproduction.

(5)

In determining, for the purposes of subsection (2)(d), whether or not the Registrar is satisfied that a variety

is homogeneous, the Registrar shall have regard to the particular features of its propagation or reproduction, whichever is applicable to it.

(6)

Where, to increase the stock of a variety or for tests of a variety, its owner makes arrangements under which-

(a)

reproductive material of that variety is to be sold to or used by some other person;

(b)

any unused portion of that reproductive material, and all the material of any sort produced from that reproductive material, is-

(i) to be sold to that owner, by that other person; or

(ii)

otherwise to become the property of that owner, then for the purposes of subsection (4)(a), no account shall be taken of any sale under that arrangement of-

(i)

reproductive material of that variety by that owner to that other person; or

(ii)

material of any sort of that variety by that other person to that owner.

(7)

For the purposes of subsection (2)(d), a variety does not cease to be new by virtue only of the sale at any time of-

(a) material that is not reproductive material; or

(b)

reproductive material disposed of for purposes other than reproduction, that, having been produced during the breeding, increase of stock, tests, or trials, of that variety, is not or no longer required for any of those activities.

(8)

For the purposes of subsection (4)(b), the characteristics by which a variety may be distinguished from others may be morphological, physiological, or of any other kind or description, so long as those characteristics are capable of precise description and recognition.

(9) It shall be a condition of a grant made to any person in respect of a variety that the grantee shall- (a) pay such annual grant fee; and

(b)

maintain such stock of reproductive material, in relation to that variety as may be prescribed.

Subject to section 20, where-

(a)

before a grant is made in respect of a variety, 2 or more applications in respect of that variety have been made;

(b)

the Registrar is satisfied that the 2 or more applicants concerned are persons who, or successors of persons who, bred or discovered and developed that variety independently; and

(c)

the Registrar is satisfied that, but for this section, each of those 2 or more applicants is or would be

entitled to a grant in respect of that variety, the Registrar shall make a grant to that 1 of those 2 or more applicants whose application in respect of that variety was made first.

Where

(a)

any person makes an application for a grant in Hong Kong in respect of a variety in respect of which that person has earlier in a UPOV country made an equivalent application under the law of that country that has been accepted; and

(b)

that application for a grant in Hong Kong is made not more than 12 months after that equivalent application or, if more than 1 equivalent application has been made, whether in 1 or in several countries, the earliest of them, was made; and

(c)

a claim for priority in relation to that equivalent application accompanies the application for a grant in Hong Kong; and

(d)

within 3 months of the making of that application for a grant in Hong Kong, a copy of any documents constituting that equivalent application, certified as correct by the authority to which it was made, is submitted to the Registrar,

sections 18(4)(b) and 19 shall apply to that application for a grant in Hong Kong as if it had been made when that equivalent application was accepted.

Where

(a)

after a grant is made to any person in respect of a variety, another person makes an application in respect of that variety;

(b)

the Registrar is satisfied that, if that grant had not already been made, that other person would, by

virtue of section 20, be entitled to a grant in respect of that application, the Registrar shall cancel that grant, and shall make a new grant to the person who would be entitled to it as if the cancelled grant had never been made.

(1) The Registrar shall endorse every grant with the date of its making.

(2)

Subject to section 24 (cancellation of grants), every grant shall be in force for a term, commencing on the day it is made-

(a)

in the case of any prescribed species, of 25 years, or any longer prescribed period; and

(b)

of 20 years in every other case.

(3) The Registrar shall record in the register the date and other prescribed particulars, if any, of every grant.

(1)

Any person who considers that a grant has been made in respect of a variety that is not new, distinct, stable, and homogeneous as required by section 18 may at any time, by notice in writing to the Registrar, object to the continuation in force of that grant.

(2)

Any person who considers that a grant was made to a person who was not an owner of that variety may, by notice in writing to the Registrar, object to the continuation in force of that grant.

(3)

An objection under subsection (2) may be accompanied by an application in respect of the variety concerned.

(1)

The Registrar may cancel a grant at any time during its term if so requested in writing by the grantee.

(2)

Subject to subsection (3), the Registrar shall cancel a grant at any time during its term if satisfied that-

(a)

any information supplied in the application concerned or in relation to that application was incorrect and that if the correct information had been known before that grant was made, the Registrar would have declined to make that grant;

(b)

the variety concerned was not, at the time of the application concerned, new and distinct within the meaning of section 18;

(c)

that variety is not stable and homogeneous within the meaning of section 18;

(d)

the grantee was not, at the time that grant was made, an owner of that variety;

(e)

the grantee of that variety, after being requested by the Registrar to provide the Registrar within a period specified by the Registrar with reproductive material capable of producing that variety with its characteristics as described when the grant was made, has failed to do so;

(f)

that grantee, after being requested by the Registrar to allow the Registrar within a period specified by the Registrar to inspect the measures taken for the maintenance of that variety, or to provide documents or information in relation to that variety, has failed to do so;

(g)

in any particular year any annual grant fee in relation to the variety concerned which is required to be paid as prescribed, has not been paid;

(h)

any stock of reproductive material in relation to the variety concerned which is required to be maintained as prescribed, has not been maintained; or

(i)

that grantee has failed to comply with any permission or order granted under section 29(2) in relation to that variety.

(3)

Before cancelling a grant under subsection (2), the Registrar shall give the grantee written notice of

intention to do so and, unless that grantee shows sufficient cause within 28 days of the date of the notice why that grant should not be cancelled, shall cancel that grant on the expiration of that period.

(4) Where

(a)

the Registrar has cancelled a grant under subsection (2)(d); and

(b)

any application, other than the application in respect of which that grant was made, has at any time,

whether before or after the making of that grant, been made in respect of the variety concerned, the Registrar shall deal with all applications in respect of that variety as if that grant had never been made.

(1) Subject to section 27, a grantee shall have the exclusive right-

(a)

to produce for sale, and to offer for sale or sell, reproductive material of the variety concerned;

(b)

to import or export reproductive material of the variety concerned;

(c)

if that variety is a plant of a type prescribed for the purposes of this section, to propagate that variety for the purposes of the commercial production of fruit or flowers of that variety;

(d)

subject to any terms and conditions that grantee may specify, to authorize, by licence or otherwise, any other person or persons to do any of the things described in paragraph (a), (b) or (c).

(2)

The rights of a grantee under a grant are proprietary rights, and their infringement shall be actionable accordingly; and in awarding damages, including any exemplary damages, or granting any other relief, a court shall take into consideration-

(a)

any loss suffered or likely to be suffered by that grantee as a result of that infringement; and

(b)

any profits or other benefits derived by any other person from that infringement; and

(c)

the flagrancy of that infringement.

(3)

Where there is imported into Hong Kong any reproductive material of a protected variety, any propagation, sale, or use, of that material-

(a) as reproductive material; and

(b)

without the authority of the grantee concerned, constitutes an infringement of the rights of that grantee under this section.

(4) The importation into Hong Kong

(a)

from a country that is not a UPOV country of harvested material of a protected variety; or

(b)

from a UPOV country of harvested material of a protected variety in respect of which, under the law of

that country, it is not possible to make the equivalent of a grant, without the consent of the grantee is an infringement of the grantee's rights under this Ordinance.

(5)

The sale under the denomination of a protected variety of reproductive material of some other variety constitutes an infringement of the rights under this section of the grantee of that protected variety, unless the groups of plants to which those varieties belong are internationally recognized as being distinct for the purposes of denomination.

(6)

Where, in any proceedings under this section for the infringement of the rights of a grantee, it is proved or admitted that an infringement was committed but proved by the defendant that, at the time of that infringement, the defendant was not aware and had no reasonable grounds for supposing that it was an infringement, the plaintiff shall not be entitled under this section to any damages against the defendant in respect of that infringement, but shall be entitled instead to an account of profits in respect of that infringement.

(7)

Nothing in subsection (6) affects any entitlement of a grantee to any relief in respect of the infringement of that grantee's rights under this Ordinance other than damages.

Notwithstanding section 25 it shall not be an infringement of the rights of a grantee for any person-

(a)

to use reproductive material from a protected variety for human consumption or other non-reproductive purposes;

(b)

to use, propagate or grow a protected variety for

(i)

non-commercial purposes;

(ii)

experimental or research purposes; or

(iii) the purposes of breeding a new variety; or

(c)

engaged in farming activities for the purpose of safeguarding agricultural or horticultural production,

to use for reproductive purposes on his own holding, reproductive material from a protected variety where the type within which the protected variety is classified has been prescribed for the purposes of this section as exempt from the rights of a grantee and where such reproductive material-

(i)

has been legitimately obtained by purchase or otherwise with the authority of the grantee concerned; or

(ii)

having been so legitimately obtained has subsequently been propagated or grown on his own holding.

Where a person has been authorized by licence or otherwise under section 25(1)(d) that person so authorized shall have the same rights as that grantee to take proceedings in respect of any infringement of the rights of that grantee in respect of the variety concerned affecting the rights given under that licence and committed after it was granted.

(1) Any person who-

(a) has acquired rights in respect of a variety under section 17(1) or 25; and

(b)

sells any reproductive material of that variety, shall take all reasonable steps, by means of suitable labelling or other identification of that material, to inform the purchaser concerned of those rights.

(2)

In determining, for the purposes of section 25(6), whether or not any person had reasonable grounds for supposing that any action was an infringement of the rights of a grantee, a court may take into account the extent, if any, to which that grantee or, as the case requires, the licensee concerned had complied with subsection (1) in respect of any material in respect of which, or in respect of material propagated from which, that infringement occurred.

(1)

Any person may at any time after the making of a grant, on payment of the prescribed fee request the Registrar to consider whether or not reasonable quantities of reproductive material of a reasonable quality of the variety concerned are available for purchase by members of the public at a reasonable price.

(2)

Where a request is made under subsection (1), the Registrar shall give the grantee concerned notice of it and a reasonable opportunity to be heard in relation to it, and if, after considering any submissions made to the Registrar by that grantee within that time, the Registrar is satisfied there are not available for purchase by members of the public at a reasonable price reasonable quantities of reproductive material of reasonable quality of the variety concerned, the Registrar shall grant to the person who made that request one or both of the following

(a)

permission for the reproduction and sale of reproductive material by that person of that variety;

(b)

an order requiring that grantee to sell to that person reproductive material of that variety.

(3)

In considering whether or not there are available to members of the public at a reasonable price reasonable quantities of reproductive material of reasonable quality of a variety, the Registrar shall not take into account any reproductive material that is available only subject to the condition that all or any of the produce from that material must be sold or offered to a specified person, or to 1 of a specified group of persons, or to a member of a specified class or description of person.

(4) Any permission or order granted under subsection (2) shall be in writing.

(5)

When granting any permission or order under subsection (2), the Registrar shall specify a royalty or payment or a means of calculating a royalty or payment, payable by the person to whom that permission is granted or by the purchaser concerned to the grantee concerned, being, in the opinion of the Registrar, a royalty or payment that is, or a means that will produce a royalty or payment that is, in all the circumstances, equitable, and-

(a)

it shall be a condition of that grant of permission or order that the person to whom that permission is granted or purchaser shall pay to that grantee that royalty or payment or a royalty or payment so calculated, as the case requires; and

(b)

that grant of permission or order shall be subject to any other terms and conditions the Registrar thinks fit.

(6) Any permission or order granted under subsection (2) shall have effect according to its tenor as if it were a contract voluntarily entered into by the grantee and the other person concerned.

(7) Subject to this Ordinance, the Registrar may at any time

(a) on the application of any person; and

(b)

if the Registrar thinks it appropriate, limit, vary, extend, or revoke, any permission or order granted under subsection (2).

(8)

As soon as is possible after granting any permission or order under subsection (2), or limiting, varying, extending, or revoking, any such permission or order, the Registrar shall notify in the Gazette brief details of the action taken.

Any person who sells reproductive material of-

(a) a protected variety; or

(b) a variety that was a protected variety until the grant made in respect of it expired, shall use its denomination, and shall not associate any trade mark, trade name, or other similar indication with that denomination unless that denomination is clearly recognizable.

(1) Where

(a)

after a grant is made to any person in respect of a variety (the "initial variety") and is made to another person in respect of another variety; and

(b)

the Registrar, on the application of the first-mentioned person, by notice in writing declares that the

other variety is an essentially derived variety from the initial variety, the rights granted in respect of the initial variety mentioned in section 25 (rights of grantees) shall apply, with effect from the date of the notice in writing, to that other variety.

(2)

An application made under subsection (1) shall be accompanied by the prescribed application fee and treated as if it were an application made under section 13 (application for grant) and Part III (grant of plant variety rights) shall be read with such modifications as may be necessary to make the same applicable to the circumstances of an application made under subsection (1).

(3)

For the purposes of this section a variety shall be treated as being an essentially derived variety of another variety if

(a)

it is predominantly derived from that other variety;

(b)

it retains the relevant characteristics that result from the genotype or combination of genotypes of that other variety;

(c)

it is clearly distinguishable from that other variety; and

(d)

except for the differences which result from the act of derivation, it conforms to the initial variety in the expression of the relevant characteristics that result from the genotype or combination of genotypes of that other variety.

PART IV

APPEALS

(1)

Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Registrar made in respect of him to decline to make a grant under section 18 may, within 28 days after being given notice of that decision by the Registrar, appeal to the court against that decision.

(2)

Any person aggrieved by the making of a grant may, at any time, appeal to the court against the making of that grant upon the ground that that grant was made in contravention of this Ordinance.

(3)

Where the Registrar cancels a grant under section 21, the grantee may, within 28 days after being given notice of the cancellation by the Registrar, appeal to the court against that cancellation on the ground that it has not been established that, if that grant had not already been made, some other person making an application in respect of

the variety concerned would, by virtue of section 20, be entitled to a grant in respect of that application.

(4)

Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Registrar made in respect of him, not being a decision referred to in any of subsections (1) to (3)

(a)

relating to an application or the cancellation of a grant;

(b)

imposing any condition in respect of a grant;

(c)

declining to modify any aspect of a grant; or

(d)

refusing to grant any permission or order under section 29(2), may, within 28 days after being given notice of that decision by the Registrar, appeal to the court against that decision.

(5)

The owner of a protected variety may, at any time, appeal to the court against any decision of the Registrar to grant any permission or order under section 29(2) in respect of that variety, or to extend or vary any such grant of permission or order.

(6)

The person to whom any permission or order was granted under section 29(2) may, at any time, appeal to the court against any decision of the Registrar to limit, vary, or revoke that grant of permission or order, or to issue it subject to any terms or conditions.

(1)

Notwithstanding any rule of law to the contrary, an appellant may begin and carry on an appeal in the court under this Part by a solicitor or in person.

(2)

A person, being a body corporate, may begin and carry on an appeal in the court otherwise than by a solicitor by an officer or a director of the body corporate authorized in that behalf by a resolution of the board or committee of the body corporate.

Remarks: Amendments retroactively made-see 25 of 1998 s. 2

(1) Every appeal to the court under section 32 shall be made by

(a)

filing a notice of appeal in the prescribed form at the office of the Registrar of the High Court; and

(b)

serving a copy of that notice of appeal on the Registrar.

(2)

Where an appeal is begun or carried on by a person being a body corporate, by an officer or a director of the body corporate authorized in that behalf, a copy of the resolution referred to in section 33(2) shall be filed at the office of the Registrar of the High Court.

(Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)

(1)

If a court is satisfied whether or not on the application of any party to that appeal that any appeal under section 32 involves the consideration of technical or specialised matters, and that it would be desirable for a person with expert knowledge of those matters to be an adviser in relation to that appeal, the following provisions shall apply

(a)

the court shall consult the parties to the appeal as to a suitable person to be an adviser in relation to the appeal;

(b)

if the court and those parties agree on a suitable person, the court shall appoint that person to be an adviser in relation to that appeal;

(c)

if the court and those parties do not agree on a suitable person, the court may appoint to be an adviser in relation to that appeal any person the court thinks suitable; and

(d)

an adviser appointed under this subsection shall sit with the court during the appeal, but shall have no power of decision in relation to the appeal.

(2)

A court may appoint 1 or more adviser under subsection (1) in respect of a single appeal if satisfied that the nature of the technical or specialised matters concerned so warrants.

(3)

No appointment of an adviser under subsection (1) shall, in any proceedings, be called into question on the grounds that the occasion for that appointment had not arisen or had ceased.

(4) Every adviser appointed under subsection (1) is entitled to receive such-

(a)

remuneration by way of fees or allowances, for his services as an adviser; and

(b)

payment of travelling allowances or expenses in respect of time spent travelling in connection with

undertaking services, as may be prescribed and any such remuneration or payment shall be charged on the general revenue.

(5) Subject to subsection (6) a court, after hearing an appeal under section 32, may

(a)

confirm the decision appealed against; or

(b)

modify or reverse that decision or any part of it.

(6) Nothing in subsection (5) authorizes a court to review any decision of the Registrar, or any part of a decision of the Registrar, if no appeal has been made against that decision or part.

Expanded Cross Reference: 33, 34, 35

Remarks: Amendments retroactively made-see 25 of 1998 s. 2

In dealing with an appeal under this Part-

(a)

a court may hear all evidence tendered and representations made by or on behalf of any party to that appeal that that court considers relevant to that appeal, whether or not that evidence would be otherwise admissible in that court;

(b)

subject to section 33 to 35 and to paragraph (a), the Rules of the High Court (Cap 4 sub. leg.) shall apply to that appeal; and <* Note - Exp. X-Ref.: Sections 33, 34, 35 *> (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)

(c)

except as provided in this Part, a court shall determine its own procedure in relation to the determination of that appeal.

Where any person has appealed against any decision of the Registrar, the operation of that decision shall be suspended until the appeal concerned has been finally disposed of.

PART V

OFFENCES

(1)

Any person who, in an application or in an attachment to an application, furnishes or supplies with intent to deceive any false or misleading information commits an offence.

(2)

Any person who falsely represents that any person is the owner of a protected variety or that any person has applied for a grant in respect of any variety knowing or having reason to believe that the representation is false, commits an offence.

(3) Any person who commits an offence under this section is liable on conviction to a fine at level 6.

Any person

(a)

who falsely represents that a plant variety right is a registered plant variety right;

(b)

selling material of a variety who falsely represents that-

(i)

that variety is a protected variety or a variety in respect of which an application has been made; or

(ii)

that variety is material of some other variety being a variety that is a protected variety or a

variety in respect of which an application has been made, knowing or having reason to believe that the representation is false commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 6.

Any person who wilfully or negligently sells reproductive material otherwise than in compliance with the requirements of section 30 commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 6.

PART VI

MISCELLANEOUS

(1)

The Registrar may give directions in writing specifying the hours of business of his office for the purpose of the transaction by the public of business under this Ordinance and the days which are business days for that purpose.

(2)

Business done on any day after the specified hours of business, or on a day which is not a business day, shall be deemed to have been done on the next business day; and where the time for doing anything under this Ordinance expires on a day which is not a business day, that time shall be extended to the next business day.

Remarks: For the saving and transitional provisions relating to the amendments made by the Resolution of the Legislative Council (L.N. 130 of 2007), see paragraph (12) of that Resolution.

(1) The Secretary for Food and Health may make regulations- (Amended 78 of 1999 s. 7; L.N. 106 of 2002;

L.N. 130 of 2007)

(a)

for the purposes of this Ordinance authorizing the making of regulations with respect to any matter;

(b)

for prescribing anything authorized or required by this Ordinance to be prescribed; and

(c)

generally for regulating practice and procedure under this Ordinance.

(2) Without affecting the generality of subsection (1), regulations made under this section may make provision

(a)

as to the manner of filing of applications and other documents and in respect of anything that is to accompany or be furnished together with any application;

(b)

as to the procedure to be followed in connection with any application or request to the Registrar or in connection with any proceedings before the Registrar, and authorizing the rectification of irregularities of procedure;

(c)

providing for the testing and treatment of plant varieties to which applications relate;

(d)

requiring and regulating the translation of documents and the filing and authentication of any translation;

(e)

as to the service of documents;

(f)

prescribing time limits for anything required to be done under this Ordinance;

(g)

providing for the extension of any time limit so prescribed, or specified by the Registrar, whether or not it has already expired;

(h)

providing for the forfeiture of any priority given in respect of an application;

(i)

prescribing a form for appeals under Part IV;

(j)

authorizing the preparation, publication, sale, and exchange of copies of diagrams, photographs, and documents at the office of the Registrar, and of indexes to and abridgments to them;

(k)

prescribing the mode of publishing any matters required by this Ordinance to be published;

(l)

prescribing the requirements to be met in selecting the denomination of varieties, and providing for the approval, rejection, or amendment of any denomination by the Registrar;

(m)

prescribing fees and charges for anything authorized by this Ordinance.

(3) No allowance, expense, fee or charge shall be prescribed under this section without the consent of the Financial Secretary.

[sections 2 & 4]

PLANTS TO WHICH ORDINANCE APPLIES

All plants other than-

(a)

Inedible Algae;

(b)

Inedible Fungi.

• 章： 490 植物品種保護條例
  • 第I部 導言
    • 條： 1 簡稱
    • 條： 2 釋義
    • 條： 3 適用範圍*
    • 條： 4 條例所適用的植物*
  • 第II部 植物品種權利註冊處處長及註冊紀錄冊
    • 條： 5 植物品種權利註冊處處長
    • 條： 6 不服處長的決定的上訴
    • 條： 7 處長不須對公職作為負上法律責任
    • 條： 8 須備存註冊紀錄冊
    • 條： 9 註冊紀錄冊的更正
    • 條： 10 註冊是證明有效性的表面證據
    • 條： 11 受抗辯的註冊的有效性的證明書
    • 條： 12 植物品種權利的使用的舉證責任
  • 第III部 植物品種權利的授權證
    • 條： 13 申請授權證
    • 條： 14 發給授權證前提出反對
    • 條： 15 申請的撤回或失效
    • 條： 16 申請的查閱
    • 條： 17 臨時保護
    • 條： 18 授權證的發給
    • 條： 19 由2人或多於2人各自培育或發現並發展的品種
    • 條： 20 因較早提出的申請而享有的優先權
    • 條： 21 因較早提出的申請而導致授權證被取消
    • 條： 22 授權證的有效期
    • 條： 23 授權證發給後提出的反對
    • 條： 24 授權證的取消
    • 條： 25 承授人的權利
    • 條： 26 關於承授人的權利的例外情況
    • 條： 27 在特許下的權利
    • 條： 28 保護的通知
    • 條： 29 經處長的准許而使用生殖材料等
    • 條： 30 名目的使用
    • 條： 31 將植物品種權利授權證的適用範圍擴及基本上屬衍生的品種
  • 第IV部 上訴
    • 條： 32 上訴的權利
    • 條： 33 親自提出上訴的權利
    • 條： 34 上訴通知書的提交
    • 條： 35 就技術或專門事宜向法院提供意見
    • 條： 36 上訴的程序
    • 條： 37 在上訴待決期間對決定的暫緩執行
  • 第V部 罪行
    • 條： 38 申請的作為
    • 條： 39 虛假地表示植物品種權利已註冊
    • 條： 40 在售賣生殖材料時不當使用名目
  • 第VI部 雜項條文
    • 條： 41 辦公時間及辦公日
    • 條： 42 規例
  • 附表 本條例適用的植物

本條例旨在就植物品種的保護訂定條文。

[1997年10月24日] 1997年第492號法律公告

(本為1996年第21號)

第I部 導言

1. (1) 本條例可引稱為《植物品種保護條例》。
2. (2) (已失時效而略去)

附註：

具追溯力的修訂─見1998年第25號第2條

在本條例中，除文意另有所指外─

“公布”(publication) 指公開的通告，並包括刊登於憲報的公告；

“生殖材料”(reproductive material) 就任何品種而言，指屬該品種的植物的任何使該品種的植物得以生殖或繁殖的部分，並指孢子及種子；

“申請”(application) 指─

(a) 授權證的申請；及

(b) 要求根據第31(1)(b)條作出聲明的申請； “申請人”(applicant) 就任何申請而言，指提出該項申請或由他人代為提出該項申請的人； “名目”(denomination)就任何受保護品種或任何在就其發給的授權證屆滿前一直是受保護品種的品

種而言，指處長根據第18(2)(a)條為該品種而批准的辨別名稱或識別資料；

“有效期”(term) 指授權證根據第22條有效的期間；

“受保護品種”(protected variety) 指任何品種，而已有有效的授權證就該品種發出者；

“承授人”(grantee)指授權證的持有人；就受保護品種而言，則指就該品種發給的授權證的持有人；

“法院”(court) 指原訟法庭； (由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

“訂明”(prescribed) 指由根據第42條訂立的規例訂明或作出規定；

“品種”(variety)指植物的栽培品種而本條例憑藉第4條及附表對其適用者，並指上述植物的任何無

性繁殖體、雜交種、原種或品系，但並不指上述植物的植物學品種； “處長”(Registrar) 指植物品種權利註冊處處長； “售賣”(sale) 包括為有值代價而作出的任何處置，亦包括要約出售；及“出售”(sell,sold) 亦具有相

應涵義； “授權證”(grant) 指根據本條例發給的植物品種權利授權證； “植物”(plant) 指任何─

(a) 具有根系的多細胞維管束有機體；

(b) 藻類；

(c) 真菌； “註冊紀錄冊”(register) 指根據第8(1)條備存的植物品種權利註冊紀錄冊； “擁有人”(owner) 就任何品種而言，指─

(a) 培育或發現並發展該品種的人；

(b) 該人的代理人；

(c) 該人的繼承人；

“聯盟成員國”(UPOV country) 指屬保護新品種植物國際聯盟成員國的任何國家，而該聯盟是依據名為《保護新品種植物國際公約》的國際協議所組成的。

本條例適用於政府及中央人民政府在香港特別行政區設立的機構。 (由2009年第2號第4條修訂)

註：

* (由2009年第2號第4條代替)

附註：

有關《立法會決議》(2007年第130號法律公告)所作之修訂的保留及過渡性條文，見載於該決議第

1. 段。
2. (1) 本條例適用於附表所列的植物。
1. 食物及衞生局局長可藉憲報公告修訂附表。 (由1997年第362號法律公告修訂；由1999年第78號第7條修訂；由2002年第106號法律公告修訂；由2007年第130號法律公告修訂)
2. 註：
1. (由2009年第2號第5條代替)
2. 第II部 植物品種權利註冊處處長及註冊紀錄冊
1. 為施行本條例，漁農自然護理署署長須擔任植物品種權利註冊處處長。 (由1999年第331號法律公告修訂)
1. 處長可以書面授權任何公職人員執行或行使本條例委予或授予註冊處處長的所有或任何職能。
2. 除另有條文訂明外，任何不服處長根據本條例作出的決定的上訴，須在第IV部所訂定的範圍內並以該部所訂定的方式向法院提出。
2. 處長不得被視為保證根據本條例或根據任何已適用於香港的國際協議或公約就任何植物品種權利所作註冊的正確性或有效性。
3. 處長不得只因本條例或任何上述國際協議或公約所規定或授權作出任何檢驗的事實，或因應此等檢驗而作出的任何報告或引致的其他法律程序，而負上任何法律責任。
1. 如處長憑藉本條不須就某事宜負上法律責任，則不得就該事宜而對獲註冊處處長根據第5(2)條授權的任何公職人員提起法律程序。
1. (1) 處長須備存一份名為植物品種權利註冊紀錄冊的註冊紀錄冊。
1. (2) 註冊紀錄冊內須記入─
1. (a) 處長就發給或拒絕發給植物品種權利授權證所作的每個決定的通告；
2. (b) 訂明的詳情或本條例規定須記入的詳情；及
3. (c)與植物品種或植物品種權利有關的任何其他事宜及資料而處長覺得將其記入註冊紀錄冊內屬重要或有用者。
1. 註冊紀錄冊不必以文件形式備存，但須以訂明的方式藉人手、機械、電子、視光或其他方法備存，且須特別為以下事宜訂明條文─
1. (a) 公眾查閱註冊紀錄冊；
2. (b) 供應註冊紀錄冊內記項的核證副本或未經核證副本，或供應該等記項的摘錄；及
3. (c)每年公布記入註冊紀錄冊內的任何事宜或資料，包括關於植物品種授權證已就其發給而該授權證在該年度內仍然有效者的資料。
2. (1) 任何有充分利害關係的人，均可向處長申請更正註冊紀錄冊內的錯誤或遺漏。
4. 除處長另有指示外，註冊紀錄冊的更正具有使所涉的錯誤或遺漏須當作從來未予作出的效力。
5. 處長可應任何已註冊的植物品種權利的承授人以訂明方式提出的請求，將記錄在註冊紀錄冊內的該人的姓名或名稱或地址的任何更改記入。

(4) 處長可將他覺得不再具有效力的任何事宜自註冊紀錄冊中刪除。

在法院所進行的關於已註冊植物品種權利的法律程序中，任何人註冊為某一植物品種權利的承授人，即為證明該項原本的註冊及其任何日後的轉讓或其他轉傳的有效性的表面證據。

第 490章 -植物品種保護條例

1. 如在法院進行的法律程序中，有人對某一植物品種權利的註冊提出抗辯，而法院裁斷該項植物品種權利已獲有效註冊，則法院可發出其意如此的證明書。
2. (2) 如法院發出該證明書，而在日後的法律程序中─
3. (a) 該項註冊的有效性再度受到質疑；及
1. (b) 承授人取得勝訴的最終命令或判決， 則除非法院另有指示，否則他有權獲付按律師與委託人的基準而評定的訟費。

(3) 第(2)款並不延伸適用於任何上述法律程序中的上訴的訟費。

如在法院進行而承授人或藉特許或根據第25(1)條以其他方式獲授權的人屬與訟一方的法律程序中，出現關於已註冊植物品種權利曾作何用途的問題，則須由承授人或該人證明該項權利曾作何用途。

第III部

植物品種權利的授權證

1. (1) 每項申請均須以處長規定的方式及格式提出，並須─
1. (a) 附同就有關種類的品種而訂明的數量的生殖材料(如有的話)；
2. (b) 由申請人或代申請人填妥並簽署；
3. (c) 指定某地址(該地址須在香港境內)，以供就該項申請送達有關的文件；及
4. (d) 附同訂明的申請費用。
1. (2) 在提出申請後的訂明期間內，申請人須─
1. (a) 按處長所規定的詳細程度，向處長提供以下描述─
1. (i) 有關品種的來源和培育；
2. (ii) 該品種的植物學特徵；及
3. (iii) 申請人認為該品種可與其他品種辨別的情況，而在該項申請提出時該等其他品種的存在屬眾所周知的事宜；及
1. (b) 向處長提供該品種的建議名目。
1. (3) 在處長提出要求後，申請人須在訂明期間內向處長提交─
1. (a) 處長所指明的另一些該有關品種的生殖材料；
2. (b) 處長認為屬有關的且要求該申請人提交的任何其他資料。

1. 凡於處長辦事處接獲的申請在接獲時符合第(1)款的規定，則就本條例而言，該項申請須當作是在接獲時提出的。
1. 凡於處長辦事處接獲的申請在接獲時並不符合第(1)款的規定，則就本條例而言，該項申請須當作是在其存留於該辦事處的期間首度符合該款規定時提出的。
1. (6) 如處長信納某項申請符合第(1)款的規定，須─
1. (a) 在憲報公告該項申請的提出；及
2. (b) 據此告知申請人。
1. 處長須在憲報公告某一品種的每個建議名目，而該名目是由申請人提供予處長且是處長認

為符合訂明規定的。

(8) 就第(2)(a)(iii)款及第18(4)(b)條而言，如─

(a) 已根據本條例就某品種發給授權證或提出申請；

(b) 已在任何聯盟成員國就某品種發給相等的授權證或提出相等的申請；

(c) 某品種已在任何公布中被精確地描述；

(d) 某品種出現於或已載列於任何參考標本集中；或

(e) 某品種已予栽培或已推出市場一段超逾訂明期間的期間， 則該品種屬眾所周知一事即獲確定。

(1)

任何人如認為處長不應批准在憲報公告的某一建議名目，可在第13(6)(a)條所指的憲報公告刊登後3個月內，藉給予處長的書面通知，反對批准該名目。

(2)

任何人如認為已提出某項申請的申請人或已由他人代為提出某項申請的申請人並非有關品種的擁有人，可在該申請人就該品種獲發給授權證前的任何時間，藉給予處長的書面通知，反對就該品種向該申請人發給授權證。

(3)

任何人如認為已有人就某一並非如第18(2)(d)條所規定屬新的、獨特的、穩定的和同質的品種而提出申請，可在就該品種發給授權證前的任何時間，藉給予處長的書面通知，反對就該品種發給授權證。

(4)

如有人根據本條提出反對，處長不得在未有給予有關的申請人和該反對者作出陳詞的合理機會前，就有關品種發給授權證。

1. (1) 申請人可在就其申請獲發給授權證前的任何時間撤回該項申請。
2. (2) 申請的撤回不得影響申請人對計至申請被撤回之日可能須繳付任何費用的法律責任。

(3)

如根據第13(2)或(3)條須提供予註冊處處長的任何資料或材料未有在訂明期間內提供，則有關申請須在該期間屆滿之時失效。

在有申請提出後，處長須存留申請書及依據第13(2)或(3)條附上或其後提供的任何文件或文書，或經處長核證為該等文件或文書的真實副本的副本，以供公眾人士在處長辦事處的平常辦公時間內查閱。

(1)

除第(2)款另有規定外，在提出申請當日或之後，申請人根據本條例所享有採取法律程序的權利，須與猶如該申請人已在該日就有關品種獲發給授權證而享有的權利一樣。

(2) 如─ (a) 有關申請已被撤回或已失效；或

(b) 處長拒絕就該項申請發給授權證， 則由第(1)款賦予的權利須視為從來未曾賦予一樣。

(1) 處長須─

(a) 在符合第19條的規定下，就每項有資格獲發給授權證的申請發給授權證；及

(b) 就每項沒有資格獲發給授權證的申請拒絕發給授權證。

(2)

在申請人已給予處長其所要求的有關品種的所有生殖材料和已符合以下規定的情況下，其申請須視為合乎發給授權證的資格，亦只有在該情況下其申請方可視為合乎發給授權證的資格─

(a) 處長已就該品種批准申請人所建議的名目；

(b) 處長信納該申請人是該品種的擁有人；

(c) 處長已收取訂明的費用；及

(d) 處長信納該品種屬新的、獨特的、穩定的和同質的品種。

(3)

在處長認為某一品種的建議名目符合訂明規定的情況下，他須批准該建議名目，亦只有在該情況下他方可批准該建議名目。

(4) 就第(2)(d)款而言─

(a) 除第(6)款另有規定外，如─

(i) 某品種沒有在提出該項申請的日期前的12個月以上的期間內在該品種的有關擁有人的同意下在香港售賣；及

(ii) 就喬木或藤本植物而言，某品種沒有在上述日期前的6年以上的期間內在該品種的有關擁有人的同意下在香港以外地方售賣，或就其他種類的植物而言，某品種沒有在上述日期前的4年以上的期間內在該品種的有關擁有人的同意下在香港以外地方售賣，

則該品種屬新的品種；

(b)如可將某品種與任何其他品種清楚地辨別，而在有關申請提出時該等其他品種的存在是眾所周知的事宜，則該品種屬獨特的品種；

(c) 如某品種─

(i) 經有關申請人描述其個別的繁殖或生殖周期，而該品種在每一所述的周期結束時；及

(ii) 在任何其他情況下，經多次繁殖或生殖後， 其有關特徵仍確如其描述，則該品種屬穩定的品種；

(d)如屬某品種的所有植物在該品種的有關特徵方面均帶有、展露或顯示相同的表徵(除因顧及其任何個別的繁殖或生殖特點而可預期的變異外)，則該品種屬同質的品種。

1. 處長在為第(2)(d)款的目的而決定是否信納某品種屬同質的品種時，須顧及其繁殖或生殖(以適用於該品種者為準)的個別特徵。
2. (6) 凡某品種的擁有人為增加該品種的貯存量或為該品種的檢驗而作出以下安排─
1. (a) 使該品種的生殖材料出售予其他人或由其他人使用；
2. (b)使該品種的生殖材料的任何未予使用部分與由該生殖材料產生的任何種類的所有材料 ─
3. (i) 由該其他人出售予該擁有人；或
1. (ii) 以其他方式成為該擁有人的財產， 則為施行第(4)(a)款，根據該項安排而進行的以下售賣不須加以考慮─
1. (i) 該擁有人將該品種的生殖材料售賣予該其他人；或
2. (ii) 該其他人將該品種的任何種類的材料售賣予該擁有人。
1. 就第(2)(d)款而言，任何品種不得僅憑藉在該品種的繁殖、增加貯存量、檢驗或試驗過程中產生但不再為任何該等活動所需的─
2. (a) 不屬生殖材料的材料；或
1. (b) 為生殖以外的目的而被處置的生殖材料， 在任何時間的售賣，而不再屬新的品種。
2. 就第(4)(b)款而言，可將某品種與其他品種辨別的特徵可以是形態上的、生理上的，或是任何其他種類或描述的特徵，只要該等特徵是能夠被精確地描述和辨認的。

(9) 就某品種向任何人發給授權證須附有以下條件─

(a) 承授人須就該品種繳付訂明的授權證的年費；及

(b) 承授人須就該品種維持訂明的生殖材料貯存量。

除第20條另有規定外，凡─

(a) 在就某一品種發給授權證前，有2份或多於2份申請就該品種提出；

(b)處長信納該2名或多於2名的有關申請人屬各自培育或發現並發展該品種的人或其繼承人；及

(c)處長信納如非因本條該2名或多於2名的申請人均有權或均會有權就該品種獲發給授權

證， 則處長須向該2名或多於2名的申請人中首先就該品種提出申請的一名申請人發給授權證。

凡─

(a)任何人在香港就某品種提出授權證的申請，而該人已在較早時在某一聯盟成員國就該品種根據該國家的法律提出一項相等的申請且該申請已獲接納；及

(b)在香港提出的授權證的申請是在該項相等的申請提出後的12個月內提出的，或如有多於一項相等的申請(不論是否在一個或多於一個國家提出)，則在該等申請中最早的一個提出後的12個月內提出的；及

(c) 在香港提出的授權證的申請附同就該項相等的申請而享有優先權的聲稱；及

(d)該項相等的申請是向某主管當局提出的，而構成該申請並經該主管當局核證為真確副

本的任何文件的副本，於在香港提出授權證的申請後3個月內向處長呈交， 則第18(4)(b)及19條適用於上述在香港提出的授權證的申請，猶如該項申請是在該項相等的申請獲接納時提出的一樣。

凡─

(a) 在任何人就某品種獲發給授權證後，另一人就該品種提出申請；

(b) 處長信納如非已發給授權證，該另一人憑藉第20條會有權就該項申請獲發給授權證， 則處長須取消已發給的授權證，並向該名會有權獲發給該授權證的人發給新的授權證，猶如已取消的授權證從來未予發給一樣。

1. (1) 處長須在每份授權證上註明發給授權證的日期。
1. (2) 除第24條(授權證的取消)另有規定外，每份授權證須自其發給的日期起生效─
1. (a) 就任何訂明物種而言，有效期為25年或任何較長的訂明期間；及
2. (b) 就任何其他物種而言，有效期為20年。
2. (3) 處長須在註冊紀錄冊內記錄每份授權證的發給日期和其他訂明詳情(如有的話)。

(1)

任何人如認為有授權證已就某一並非如第18條所規定屬新的、獨特的、穩定的和同質的品種而發給，可於任何時間藉給予處長的書面通知，反對該授權證繼續有效。

(2)

任何人如認為獲發給授權證的人並非有關品種的擁有人，可藉給予處長的書面通知，反對該授權證繼續有效。

1. (3) 根據第(2)款提出的反對可附同就有關品種而提出的申請。
2. (1) 處長可應承授人的書面要求，在有關授權證的有效期內的任何時間將該授權證取消。

(2)

在符合第(3)款的規定下，處長如信納有以下情況，須在授權證的有效期內的任何時間將該授權證取消─

(a)在有關申請中提供的或就該項申請而提供的任何資料不正確，且假若處長在發給授權證前已知悉有關的正確資料，則本會拒絕發給該授權證；

(b) 有關品種在有關申請提出時並非第18條所指的新的和獨特的品種；

(c) 該品種並非第18條所指的穩定的和同質的品種；

(d) 承授人在獲發給授權證時並非該品種的擁有人；

(e)該品種的承授人在接獲由處長提出的要求後，沒有按該要求在處長所指明的期間內向處長提供能夠生產該品種且所生產品種具有其在授權證發給時所述特徵的生殖材料；

(f)該承授人在接獲由處長的要求後，沒有按該要求在處長所指明的期間內容許處長視察為維持該品種而採取的措施或提供關於該品種的文件或資料；

(g) 沒有在任何一年內就有關品種的授權證繳付所訂明的須予繳付的任何年費；

(h) 沒有就有關品種的生殖材料維持所訂明的須予維持的貯存量；或

(i) 該承授人沒有遵守根據第29(2)條就該品種授予的任何准許或命令。

(3)

在根據第(2)款取消任何授權證前，處長須給予承授人擬如此行事的書面通知，而除非承授人在該通知發出當日起的28日內提出為何其授權證不應被取消的充分因由，否則處長須在該期間屆滿後將該授權證取消。

(4) 凡─

(a) 處長已根據第(2)(d)款取消某授權證；及

(b)已有任何申請(已就其發給上述授權證的申請除外)在不論是發給該授權證之前或之後的

任何時間就有關品種提出， 則處長須處理就該品種提出的所有申請，猶如該授權證從來未予發給一樣。

(1) 除第27條另有規定外，承授人須享有以下的獨有權利─

(a) 生產有關品種的生殖材料作售賣用途，並出售或要約出售該等材料；

(b) 輸入或輸出有關品種的生殖材料；

(c) (如該品種屬為施行本條而訂明的類型的植物)為該品種的果實或花卉的商業生產而繁殖該品種；

(d)在承授人所指明的任何條款與條件的規限下，藉特許或其他方式授權任何其他人或人

等作出(a)、(b)或(c)段所描述的任何事情。

1. 承授人根據授權證所享有的權利屬所有權的權利，而據此可就該等權利的侵犯提出起訴；法院在判給損害賠償(包括任何懲罰性損害賠償)時或在給予任何其他濟助時，須考慮─
1. (a) 承授人因該項侵犯而蒙受或相當可能會因該項侵犯而蒙受的損失；及
2. (b) 任何其他人得自該項侵犯的任何利潤或其他利益；及
3. (c) 該項侵犯的昭彰程度。
2. (3) 凡有受保護品種的任何生殖材料輸入香港，則該材料─
3. (a) 作為生殖材料；及
1. (b) 在未得有關承授人授權的情況下， 的任何繁殖、售賣或使用，即構成侵犯該承授人在本條下的權利。

(4) 未經承授人同意而─

(a) 自某個非聯盟成員國的國家將收穫自某受保護品種的材料輸入香港；或

(b)自某個聯盟成員國將收穫自某受保護品種的材料輸入香港，而根據該國家的法律，就

該品種發給相等於授權證的文件是不可能的， 即屬侵犯該承授人在本條例下的權利。

1. 售賣以某受保護品種的名目為名的其他品種的生殖材料，即構成侵犯該受保護品種的承授人在本條下的權利，但如就名目而言該等品種所屬的植物群體在國際上是被認可為獨特的品種的，則屬例外。
2. 凡在根據本條就承授人權利遭侵犯而提起的法律程序中，侵犯權利的行為已被證實或已被承認，但被告人證明在作出侵犯時他並不知悉亦無合理理由假定該行為屬一項侵犯，則原告人無權就該項侵犯根據本條獲得由被告人支付的任何損害賠償，但須有權代之而就該項侵犯獲得被告人交出所得利潤。
3. 第(6)款並不影響承授人就其在本條例下的權利遭侵犯而享有獲得任何濟助(損害賠償除外)的權利。

儘管第25條已有規定─

(a) 任何人使用出自受保護品種的生殖材料供人類食用或作其他非生殖用途；

(b) 任何人使用、繁殖或種植受保護品種以作─

(i) 非商業用途；

(ii) 實驗或研究用途；或

(iii) 培育新品種的用途；或

(c)以保障農業生產或園藝生產為目的而從事農業活動的任何人，為生殖用途而在他本人的土地上使用出自某一受保護品種的生殖材料，而該生殖材料所屬類別是在已就本條訂明為豁免受承授人的權利所規管的類型之內的，且該生殖材料─

(i) 是藉購買或其他方法經有關的承授人授權而合法地獲得；或

(ii) 經如此合法地獲得後，已繼而在他本人的土地上予以繁殖或種植， 則並不構成該任何人侵犯承授人的權利。

凡任何人已藉特許或根據第25(1)(d)條以其他方式獲授權，該名獲如此授權的人在該特許發給後就有關品種方面對承授人的權利任何的侵犯(此項侵犯影響根據該特許給予的權利)而具有的提起法律程序的權利，須與該承授人所具有的相同。

(1) 凡任何人─

(a) 已根據第17(1)或25條就某品種取得權利；及

(b) 出售該品種的任何生殖材料， 則須採取一切合理步驟，藉將該材料加上適當標籤或其他識別資料，以告知有關買家該等權利。

(2)

在為施行第25(6)條而決定任何人是否有合理理由假定任何行為屬侵犯承授人的權利時，凡該項侵犯就某材料發生或就繁殖自某材料的材料發生，法院可考慮該承授人或有關的特許持有人(視情況所需)就該某材料已遵守第(1)款至何程度(如有遵守的話)。

(1)

任何人可於授權證發給後的任何時間，在繳付訂明費用後，要求處長考慮有關品種是否有合理數量的且具合理品質的生殖材料供公眾人士以合理的價格購買。

(2)

凡有人根據第(1)款提出要求，處長須將該項要求通知有關承授人，並給予該承授人合理的機會就該事宜作出陳詞；處長在考慮該承授人在該段時間內向處長作出的任何陳詞後，如信納有關品種並無合理數量的且具合理品質的生殖材料供公眾人士以合理的價格購買，處長須向提出該項要求的人授予以下兩者或其中一項─

(a) 由該人繁殖該品種和售賣該品種的生殖材料的准許；

(b) 規定該承授人將該品種的生殖材料出售予該人的命令。

(3)

處長在考慮有關品種是否有合理數量的且具有合理品質的生殖材料供公眾人士以合理的價格購買時，不得考慮在以下條件的規限下方獲提供的任何生殖材料：該條件是出自該材料的所有或任何產品，必須出售予或要約出售予某指明人士或某指明群體中的一人或某指明類別的人士中的一名成員。

(4) 根據第(2)款授予的准許或命令須以書面作出。

(5)

處長在根據第(2)款授予准許或命令時，須指明由獲授予准許的人或有關買家付予有關承授人的專利權費或款項，或指明計算該項專利權費或款項的方法，而該專利權費或款項或可算出專利權費或款項的方法是處長認為在所有情況下屬公平的，且─

(a)該項准許或命令的授予須附有一項條件，該條件是該獲授予准許的人或買家須付予該承授人上述專利權費或款項或經上述方法計算的專利權費或款項(視情況所需)；及

(b) 該項准許或命令的授予須受處長認為合適的任何其他條款與條件所規限。

(6)

根據第(2)款授予的准許或命令須按其意旨具有效力，猶如其為該承授人與有關的另一人所自願訂立的合約一樣。

(7) 在符合本條例的規定下，處長可於任何時間─ (a) 應任何人的申請；及

(b) 在處長認為適當的情況下， 限制、更改、延展或撤銷根據第(2)款授予的任何准許或命令。

(8)

處長在根據第(2)款授予任何准許或命令後，或在限制、更改、延展或撤銷任何上述准許或命令後，須在可能範圍內盡快在憲報作出公告，簡述他所採取的行動。

任何人出售以下品種的生殖材料─

(a) 受保護品種；或

第 490章 -植物品種保護條例

(b)任何品種，而在就其發給的授權證屆滿前該品種一直是受保護品種，須使用該品種的名目，而除非該名目是可予清楚辨認的，否則不得將該名目與任何商標、商品名稱或其他相類徵示相聯。

(1) 凡─

(a) 在授權證已就某一品種(“最初品種”)發給任何人並就另一品種發給另一人後；及

(b)處長應首述的人的申請，以書面通知宣布該另一品種基本上是衍生自該最初品種的衍

生品種， 則第25條(承授人的權利)所提及的就該最初品種而授予的權利，須自上述書面通知的日期起適用於該另一品種。

(2) 根據第(1)款提出的申請須附同訂明申請費用，並須視為猶如根據第13條(申請授權證)提出的申請，而第III部(植物品種權利的授權證)亦須與為使該部適用於根據第(1)款提出申請的情況而需予作出的變通，一併理解。

(3) 就本條而言，如符合以下情況，某一品種須視為基本上屬衍生自另一品種的衍生品種─

(a) 該品種主要是衍生自該另一品種的；

(b) 該品種保留得自該另一品種的基因型或各基因型的組合的有關特徵；

(c) 該品種是可與該另一品種清楚地辨別的；及

(d)除因品種的衍生而導致的差異外，該品種所表現的得自該另一品種的基因型或各基因型的組合的有關特徵，與最初品種是相符的。

第IV部

上訴

1. 任何人因處長根據第18條拒絕發給他授權證的決定而感到受屈，可在獲處長通知該項決定後的28日內，向法院提出上訴，反對該項決定。
2. 任何人因授權證的發給而感到受屈，可在任何時間，以該授權證是在違反本條例的情況下發給的為理由，向法院提出上訴，反對該授權證的發給。
3. 凡處長根據第21條取消某授權證，其承授人可在獲處長通知該項取消後的28日內，以未有證明假如該授權證尚未發給，就有關品種提出申請的其他人便會憑藉第20條有權就該項申請獲發給授權證為理由，向法院提出上訴，反對該項取消。
1. 任何人因處長就他作出的任何決定而感到受屈，而該項決定不屬第(1)至(3)款的任何一款所提述並─
1. (a) 關乎授權證的申請或取消的決定；
2. (b) 就授權證施加任何條件的決定；
3. (c) 拒絕在任何方面修改授權證的決定；或
4. (d) 拒絕根據第29(2)條授予任何准許或命令的決定， 可在獲處長通知該項決定後的28日內，向法院提出上訴，反對該項決定。
5. 受保護品種的擁有人可在任何時間向法院提出上訴，反對處長就該品種根據第29(2)條授予任何准許或命令的決定，或延展或更改任何上述准許或命令的任何決定。
6. 根據第29(2)條獲授予准許或命令的人，可在任何時間向法院提出上訴，反對處長限制、更改或撤銷授予該准許或命令的任何決定，或在任何條款或條件的規限下發出准許或命令的任何決定。
7. 即使任何法律規則有相反的規定，上訴人可由律師代表或親自根據本部在法院展開和進行上訴。
8. 任何屬法人團體的人，可藉為上訴而獲該法人團體的董事局或管理委員會通過決議授權的該法人團體的高級人員或董事(而並非由律師代表)在法院展開和進行上訴。

附註：

具追溯力的修訂─見1998年第25號第2條

1. (1) 根據第32條向法院提出的每宗上訴，須按以下方式提出─
1. (a) 於高等法院司法常務官的辦事處提交符合訂明格式的上訴通知書；及
2. (b) 將該上訴通知書的副本送達處長。
1. 凡上訴是由屬法人團體的人展開或進行的，並由為上訴而獲授權的該法人團體的高級人員

或董事展開或進行，則須於高等法院司法常務官的辦事處提交第33(2)條所提述的決議的副本。 (由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

1. 如法院(不論是否應上訴的任何一方的申請)信納根據第32條提出的任何上訴涉及對技術或專門事宜的考慮，因而應當由具有專家知識的人擔任該宗上訴的顧問，則以下條文適用─
1. (a) 法院須就擔任該宗上訴的顧問的適當人選諮詢上訴的各方；
2. (b) 如法院與上訴的各方同意某人為適當人選，則法院須委任該人為該宗上訴的顧問；
3. (c)如法院與上訴的各方不能就適當人選達成協議，則法院可委任其認為適當的任何人為該宗上訴的顧問；及
4. (d)根據本款獲委任的顧問須在法院進行上訴時與法官一起聆訊該案，但無權對上訴作出決定。
1. 法院如信納有關技術或專門事宜的性質足以構成如此行事的理由，可根據第(1)款就單一宗上訴委任一名或多於一名顧問。
1. 根據第(1)款作出的顧問的委任，不得在任何法律程序中以作出該項委任的所需情況並未出現或已終止為理由而受到質疑。
2. (4) 根據第(1)款獲委任的每名顧問有權─
3. (a) 就其作為顧問所提供的服務收取以費用或津貼方式支付的訂明酬金；及
1. (b) 就與提供服務有關而在交通上所耗用的時間收取交通津貼或開支的訂明款項， 而任何此等酬金或款項須從政府一般收入中撥付。
2. (5) 除第(6)款另有規定外，法院在聆訊根據第32條提出的上訴後，可─
1. (a) 確認提出上訴的人所反對的決定；或
2. (b) 修改或推翻該項決定或其任何部分。
2. 如無人提出上訴反對處長的任何決定或其任何部分，則第(5)款並不授權法院覆核該決定或該部分。

詳列交互參照： 33，34，35

附註：

具追溯力的修訂─見1998年第25號第2條

在處理根據本部提出的上訴時─

(a)法院可聆聽其認為與該宗上訴有關而由該宗上訴的任何一方或代該宗上訴的任何一方所提供的證據或所作出的申述，不論該等證據在其他情況下是否可被該法院接納；

(b)在符合第33至35條及(a)段的規定下，《高等法院規則》(第4章，附屬法例)適用於該宗上訴；及 〈* 註─詳列交互參照：第33，34，35條 *〉 (由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

(c) 除本部另有規定外，法院須就該宗上訴的裁定而決定其本身的程序。

凡任何人已提出上訴反對處長的任何決定，該項決定的實施須暫緩執行，直至有關上訴已獲得最終處理為止。

第V部

罪行

1. 任何人在一項申請或一項申請的附件中提交或提供任何虛假的或具誤導性的資料而意圖欺騙，即屬犯罪。
2. 任何人虛假地表示任何人是某一受保護品種的擁有人或任何人已就任何品種申請授權證，而該人知道或有理由相信該項表示是虛假的，即屬犯罪。

(3) 任何人犯本條所訂的罪行，一經定罪，可處第6級罰款。

任何人─

(a) 虛假地表示某植物品種權利是已註冊的植物品種權利；

(b) 出售某品種的材料而虛假地表示─

(i) 該品種是受保護品種或是已有申請就其提出者；或

(ii)該品種屬某其他品種的材料，而該其他品種是受保護品種或是已有申請就其提出

者， 且該人知道或有理由相信該項表示是虛假的，即屬犯罪，一經定罪，可處第6級罰款。 任何人故意或疏忽地出售生殖材料而沒有遵守第30條的規定，即屬犯罪，一經定罪，可處第6級罰款。

第VI部

雜項條文

1. 為讓公眾根據本條例辦理事務的目的，處長可作出書面指示，指明其辦事處的辦公時間及辦公日。
1. 在指明的辦公時間過後或在非辦公日所辦理的事務，須當作是在下一個辦公日辦理的；根據本條例辦理任何事情的時限如在一個非辦公日屆滿，則該時限須延展至下一個辦公日。
2. 附註：有關《立法會決議》(2007年第130號法律公告)所作之修訂的保留及過渡性條文，見載於該決議第(12)段。
1. (1) 食物及衞生局局長可─(由1997年第362號法律公告修訂；由1999年第78號第7條修訂；由2002年第106號法律公告修訂；由2007年第130號法律公告修訂)
1. (a) 為施行本條例授權就任何事宜訂立規例而訂立規例；
2. (b) 為訂明本條例所授權或規定須予訂明的任何事情訂立規例；及
3. (c) 概括地為規管本條例所訂的常規與程序訂立規例。
1. (2) 在不影響第(1)款的概括性的原則下，根據本條訂立的規例可就以下事宜訂定條文─
1. (a) 提交申請及其他文件的方式，以及申請須附同的或須隨申請一起提供的東西；
2. (b)關乎向處長提出任何申請或要求或關乎在處長席前進行的任何處事程序須予依循的程序，以及授權糾正程序上的不當之處；
3. (c) 就檢驗和處理與申請有關的植物品種作出規定；
4. (d) 規定和規管文件的翻譯及任何譯文的提交和認證；
5. (e) 文件的送達；
6. (f) 為根據本條例須作出的任何事情而訂明時限；
7. (g) 就經如此訂明的或由處長指明的任何時限(不論該時限是否已屆滿)的延展作出規定；
8. (h) 就任何申請而給予的優先權的取消作出規定；
9. (i) 為根據第IV部提出的上訴訂明格式；
10. (j) 授權擬備、公布、售賣和交換置於處長的辦事處的圖解、照片及文件的副本，以及其索引及節錄的副本；
11. (k) 訂明本條例規定須予公布的任何事宜的公布模式；
12. (l) 訂明在選擇品種的名目方面須予符合的規定，以及就處長對任何名目的批准、拒絕或修訂作出規定；
13. (m) 訂明就任何經本條例批准的事情所徵收的費用及收費。
1. 未經財政司司長同意，不得根據本條訂明任何津貼、開支、費用或收費。 (由1997年第362

號法律公告修訂)

[第2及4條]

本條例適用的植物

所有植物，但下述者除外─

(a) 不可食用的藻類；

(b) 不可食用的真菌。