New varieties of plants, such as vegetables, fruit trees and crops having increased yields or higher quality, as well as attractive ornamental plants and pretty flowers, can have a significant economic value in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and in the market of flowers and ornamental plants.

However, once released, a plant variety can be easily reproduced to the detriment of the investments made by the breeder for its development.

Plant variety protection allows a breeder to obtain exclusive rights, making exploitation of the protected variety require the prior authorization of the breeder.