Plant Watch nursery inspections expand range

Proven Winners Color Choice, Encore Azaleas, Endless Summer Collection, First Editions, The Knock Out Family of Roses, Drift Roses, and Southern Living Plant Collection expanded the range of the Plant Watch nursery inspection program in 2014. 

The Plant Watch program has completed another successful year of protecting plant patents, Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) and branded programs. The program expanded into Canada last year, and over 300 inspections were carried out from New York to British Columbia and from Ontario to Florida.

“Now that Plant Watch has completed a fourth year of inspections, it is obvious there is greater industry acceptance of brand compliance and plant patent law," said Natalia Hamill, brand and business development manager at Bailey Nurseries. "The vast majority of growers cooperate with the inspectors. We appreciate all the growers who take the time to become familiar with brand requirements and follow the rules.”

Nurseries across the U.S. and Canada have undergone an inspection by seasoned Plant Watch representatives to document to what degree growers respect patents, PBR’s and trademarks. It’s well known how expensive it is to establish a plant brand in our industry. Growers who comply with patent, PBR 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, The Conard-Pyle Co., 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 a proven track record in the industry, and has successfully intervened with infringers to curtail their illegal activities more than nine years. According to Plant Watch Executive Director, Sylvia Mosterman, “Our industry has taken a leap forward by putting new varieties in front of consumers with professional marketing. Consumer excitement grows for new varieties from trusted brand names. Protecting the investment brand owners make in marketing and product development with nursery inspections makes it fairer for growers who are playing by the rules and ultimately benefits the consumer.”

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 varieties covered by plant patents and Plant Breeders’ Rights require permission to propagate. And the use of trade names such as Wine & Roses weigela and The Knock Out rose is protected.