Table grape breeder International Fruit Genetics, LLC (IFG) announced it is identifying properties where there is unauthorized planting, cultivating or illegally collecting and selling of IFG’s protected table grape varieties. The company has been working with the Peruvian authorities of INDECOPI and the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (INIA) in the city of Ica. Among the IFG table grape varieties protected by the Peruvian National Registry of Protected Plant Varieties are Sweet Globe™, Cotton Candy™, Sweet Sapphire™, and Jack's Salute™ among others, which are duly registered as trademarks in the U.S. and elsewhere.
As a result of a recent inspection in the Santiago District, the property owner chose to burn all the plants, eliminating the evidence and evading the consequences of the infringement.
“It is IFG's policy to spare no time and effort to combat possible activities that violate its rights and safeguard its commercial interests, as well as those of its licensees,” says Andy Higgins, CEO, IFG.
In its capacity as titleholder of the breeder's rights over the various protected grape varieties in Peru, IFG is entitled to prevent or initiate legal actions against third parties who, without IFG’s consent, carry out acts that are intended to produce, reproduce, as well as sell, market or import the genetic material or fruits from the varieties. Possible repercussions for said actions may result in sanctions (fines), closure of establishments, destruction of the infringing material, and even compensation for damages caused.
“We will be vigilant and continue to take the necessary actions in provinces around Peru – and throughout the world - in defense of our rights,” added Higgins.
Contact:
Tamara Baker
IFG
Phone: +1 (661) 345-7580
Email: [email protected]
www.ifg.world