Complying with the Nagoya Protocol and access benefit sharing (ABS) regulations, as well as applying for Intellectual Property (IP) right protection are important and challenging aspects for plant scientists. To enable us to more effectively translate research results into applications and benefits to society, these aspects need to be taken into account from the beginning of the R&D process.
The EU-funded CAPITALISE project in association with the voice of the European seed sector Euroseeds invite you to two webinars that will explore what you need to know as a researcher active in plant research and breeding in Europe on the topic of ABS and IP. Join experts Szonja Csörgö (ISF) and Francesca Garbato (Euroseeds) to discuss these aspects respectively on the 15th and 22nd November 2024.
Webinar 1: How does Nagoya and Access and Benefit Sharing affect the use of your research?
Presented by Szonja Csörgö (ISF) with an industry view by Tonny van den Boom (BASF).
15 November 2024 12.00-13.30 CET
This webinar will cover the basics of Access and Benefit sharing, including what are the main legal instruments (CBD, Nagoya Protocol, International Treaty)? how do these mechanisms work? And when do they apply?
ABS regulations and obligations for projects will be discussed, and why it is important for academia and companies to know the details and to comply. Practical examples will shown for best practice compliance. Szonja will be joined by Mrs Ir. Tonny van den Boom, Global Genetic Resource Coordinator at BASF Vegetable Seeds to give a company point of view on ABS.
Szonja Csörgö is the IP and Legal Affairs Manager at the International Seed Federation. She holds a degree in Law from ELTE Budapest University, an MA in French and European Law from Panthéon-Assas University (Paris), and an L.LM. in Intellectual Property and Competition Law from the University of Liège in Belgium. In the past 15 years Szonja has actively participated as industry representative in the international discussions around genetic resources, access and benefit sharing, conservation and sustainable use and also represented the European seed industry in various bodies and working groups at the EU and international level, dealing with genetic resources.
Tonny van den Boom is Global Genetic Resource Coordinator at BASF Vegetable Seeds. Tonny studied Plant breeding in 1979-86 at the Agricultural University Wageningen (NL) and holds a wealth of plant breeding experience. She was a corn breeder at both Zelder and Limagrain, a product specialist at Limagrain, a programmer and consultant at NMPO, and a Leek breeder at Nickerson. She then became Head of Breeding at Nunhems and is now Genetic Resource Coordinator at Nunhems Global.
Webinar 2: Intellectual Property in Plant Research and Breeding – co-existence of different IP systems.
Presented by Francesca Garbato (Euroseeds)
22 November 2024 12.00-13.00 CET
This seminar will cover the basics of IP in Europe, including the legal framework.
- IP principles and timelines. Why are these important for academia and companies?
- Plant variety rights and patents. How do these work for plant research and breeding and which is the applicable legal framework?
- How can the two systems be balanced and co-exist?
Francesca Garbato is the Intellectual Property and Legal Affairs Manager at Euroseeds. She holds a Master Degree in Law from the University of Bologna, an LL.M. in International Business Law from the University of Tilburg and an LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law and Knowledge Management from the University of Maastricht. Francesca worked as an Intellectual Property Law expert in different international organisations and has extensive knowledge in this field. Francesca joined the Euroseeds team in December 2023 as Manager Intellectual Property and Legal Affairs and advises on IP and legal matters