The court has also supervised the destruction of a large number of illegally planted trees in Gansu province.
T&G chief executive Gareth Edgecombe said it was a significant win for the company.
“We welcome this ruling by the Supreme People’s Court and the commitment it shows under China’s strengthened Seed Law to safeguard plant variety rights and put a stop to illegitimate production and infringement,” he said.
“With it being the second ruling in T&G’s favour, by China’s highest court, it establishes a strong judicial precedent for the handling of similar infringement disputes in China.”
Edgecombe said over the past 20 years, T&G had invested significantly in the research and development of new varieties.
“The court’s judgment, as well as the recent Regulations on the Protection of New Plant Varieties, which give the authorities strong powers to investigate and enforce infringement of plant intellectual property rights, will benefit plant breeders, growers, customers and the horticulture sector.
“It provides T&G with further confidence to continue investing in China, knowing our intellectual property is well protected.”
Kiwifruit marketer Zespri has also been plagued by illegal plantings in China and has had successful prosecutions.
- RNZ
