As of 1 July 2017, the Plant Breeder's Rights Act 1994 (Cth) (PBR Act) now applies in Norfolk Island. The PBR Act provides a system of registration and exclusive commercial rights for new plant varieties.
Norfolk Island is a small island off the coast of Australia, located approximately 1,600km northeast of Sydney between Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia. The island is part of the Australian Commonwealth and has many unique historical relics and native flora and fauna species.
Norfolk Island previously had no system for protecting new plant varieties; however Australia's other intellectual property systems applied there.
The change is part of the Australian Government's reforms in Norfolk Island and aims to provide residents with the same rights as those in other parts of Australia. The application of the PBR Act will assist with fostering plant breeding and innovation on the island.
