The Plant Watch nursery inspection program aimed at protecting their plant patents and branded programs has completed another successful year. In 2013, over 250 inspections were carried out from New York to California and from Ohio to Louisiana.
“The repeated Plant Watch visits show that we can clean up troubled areas where unauthorized propagation was rampant. Plant Watch will continue inspecting these regions and others to support the growers who are respecting our investment in branding,” said Kip McConnell from Plant Development Services Inc. (PDSI) the developers of the Encore azaleas brand and the Southern Living Collection.
Proven Winners Color Choice, Encore Azaleas, Endless Summer Collection, First Editions, The Knock Out Family of Roses, Drift Roses, and Southern Living Plant Collection are all part of the program.
Nurseries across the country have undergone an inspection by seasoned Plant Watch representatives to see how growers meet the requirements of these branded programs and respecting the patents.
Nurseries found to be non-compliant are assessed a significant fine based on the number of unauthorized plants discovered, and the destruction of those plants is required. Growers are reminded that plant patents and Plant Breeders’ Rights are based on having permission to propagate.
Growers who comply with patent and branding requirements are at a disadvantage when infringers undercut prices. In order to support their network of compliant growers, Spring Meadow Nursery, Bailey Nurseries, Conard-Pyle, and Plant Development Services Inc. have used Plant Watch services since 2011 to monitor and inspect nurseries and collect fines for unauthorized propagation where warranted.
Plant Watch has successfully intervened with infringers to curtail their illegal activities more than eight years.
“Marketing new varieties helps consumers get excited about new plants and be more successful in beautifying their gardens," said Plant Watch managing director, Peggy Walsh Craig. "Taking care of the marketing investment requires an examination of where and how the brands are being used and propagation occurring. It’s only fair for all players.”