In 2026, plant breeders' rights expire for 1,756 varieties
In 2026, plant breeders' rights expire for 1,756 varieties. The largest groups among them are maize, rose, and sugar beet.
When protection expires, a variety can be propagated without a license. We have compiled a list of varieties for which this happens in 2026.
Breakdown by crop
Maize — 191 varieties, rose — 91, sugar beet — 72, pepper — 67, common wheat — 56, tomato — 53. The rest are distributed among several hundred crops.
Things to consider
The expiration date is an estimate: it is calculated from the date of grant based on jurisdiction rules. Protection often terminates earlier — the right holder stops paying fees, and the entry is closed prematurely. This is reflected in public records with a delay.
Expired protection does not waive admission requirements: to sell seeds, a variety must remain in the national catalog. What exactly changes when the term expires is explained in the article “Protection expired: what you can and cannot do”.
How to view
The “Protection expiring” section allows you to select a year and a crop. In 2027, the term will expire for another 2,065 varieties.
Discussion
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Growing experience and notes on the entry. Comments are not part of the reference data and are not verified against primary sources.