The law regulating the protection of plant varieties came into force in Turkmenistan on August 13, 2011.

This is a brand new legislation. Up to now, Turkmenistan had no laws in the field of plant variety protection with the exception of the Ministry of Agriculture’s internal by-laws regulating breeding activities.

The new law introduces a 30-year protection of animal breeds and either 25- or 30-year protection of plant varieties depending on their kind.

According to the law, a preliminary examination and an examination of an application on its merits precede the issuing of a Patent.

In order to be registered, a variety should have characteristics such as novelty, homogeneity, stability and distinctiveness.

The law also prescribes compulsory licenses for the registered varieties.