In January 2018, Andrew Lykiardopoulos QC acted for the respondent in the first compulsory license application to be heard by the Community Plant Variety Office.
The application made by Pixley Berries (Juice) Limited related to the CPVR for the blackcurrant variety “Ben Starav” of the species Ribes nigrum L.
In accordance with Article 38(1) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 874/2009 the parties requested for an oral hearing in order for the Planet Variety Office to determine whether the compulsory license sought was in the public’s interest.
The Office is expected to give its decision at the end of March.