Sun World International has scored another plant variety rights (PVR) win in Italy, this time in the Apulia region. The firm secured an interim court order requiring the removal of unauthorized Sugrathirtyfive variety grapevines (commercialized under the AUTUMNCRISP brand), strengthening legal protection for one of its top-selling green seedless varieties.
The Intellectual Property (IP) Court of Bari ordered the removal after finding unlawful propagation by a well-known grower in southern Italy. This allows immediate enforcement without waiting for a final decision on the merits.
In October of last year, a collegial panel upheld earlier findings and confirmed the interim measure. The court relied on evidence gathered through a drone investigation to identify the affected plots, followed by DNA-based analysis using Simple Sequence Repeat markers.
The court recognized the genetic testing as a reliable scientific method to establish varietal identity and detect PVR violations. The ruling signals closer scrutiny of PVR with implications for the United States and global produce suppliers, the company said in a release.
Sun World described the decision as a precedent for breeders, highlighting the court’s acceptance of genetic tools and modern investigative techniques to enforce plant intellectual property and halt unauthorized plantings quickly.
“This vine removal order emphasizes Sun World’s dedication to protecting our intellectual property and making sure our varieties are cultivated legally,” said Maanda Phosiwa, Vice President of Legal, at Sun World. “Vine removal is an appropriate and necessary remedy when unauthorized plantings are identified, and this decision supports the rights of all breeders who depend on strong IP protection to keep innovating.”
Sun World said additional legal actions remain underway in Italy and other jurisdictions as the company continues efforts to combat unauthorized use of its proprietary cultivars.
The company stated it aims to protect its genetics globally while working with licensed growers who comply with intellectual property requirements.
*All photos courtesy of Sun World.
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