Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) applications in Türkiye are administered by the Seed Department of the General Directorate of Plant Production under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Türkiye is a member of the UPOV system and accepts applications filed through the UPOV PRISMA platform.
Filing Through UPOV PRISMA
For Türkiye, no special requirements apply to applications submitted through UPOV PRISMA. The filing procedure is generally the same as for direct national filings.
Importantly, the date on which the application is submitted through UPOV PRISMA is recognized as the official filing date in Türkiye. Subsequent corrections or the completion of formal deficiencies do not affect the filing date.
Procedure After Filing
Once the application has been received, the Ministry confirms receipt by email.
The Ministry may:
- confirm receipt of the official fee;
- request additional information or documentation if necessary; and
- proceed with publication if the application satisfies the applicable requirements.
Accepted applications are published in the Official Plant Varieties Bulletin.
Requirement for Local Representation
Applicants who are not resident in Türkiye must appoint a local representative.
Foreign applicants cannot directly conduct proceedings before the Turkish authorities. Accordingly, a local agent is required for filing and prosecution of PBR applications in Türkiye.
Power of Attorney and Notarized Documents
For applications filed through UPOV PRISMA, electronic copies of notarized documents are generally accepted.
However, applicants must retain the original documents in their records.
The Ministry may request submission of the original:
- Power of Attorney; and
- notarized supporting documents
in the event of an administrative review, audit, or legal dispute.
Submission of Plant Material
Plant material is not submitted together with the initial application.
After the application is processed, the file is forwarded to the Seed Registration and Certification Centre (TTSM).
TTSM subsequently informs the applicant or representative regarding:
- the quantity of plant material required;
- quality specifications;
- submission deadlines; and
- delivery address.
The requirements vary depending on the plant species concerned.
Official Fees
Official fees may be paid either:
- directly to the Ministry’s designated account; or
- through a local representative.
Electronic payment receipts are issued following payment.
Filing Deadlines
There is no annual filing deadline for PBR applications in Türkiye.
Applications may be filed at any time during the year.
However, deadlines for submitting plant material for DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability) testing vary according to the plant species and testing schedule.
Key Takeaways
For foreign applicants seeking Plant Breeders’ Rights protection in Türkiye:
appointment of a local representative is mandatory;
the UPOV PRISMA submission date is recognized as the official filing date;
electronic copies of notarized documents are generally accepted, although originals should be retained;
plant material is submitted later upon instructions from TTSM; and
there is no general annual filing deadline for PBR applications.