Following months of investigations and legal actions, Bloom Fresh International Limited, one of the world’s largest breeding companies of table grapes, cherries and raisins, has actioned the removal of 110 hectares of illegally planted and produced varieties of Sweet Globe, Jack’s Salute, Sweet Celebration and Allison from a grower in Peru. This is the largest illegal vine removal in the history of table grape infringement cases in Peru, and the removal of the plants also coincides with a hefty financial penalty for the infringing grower, the company said in a news release.
This action is a warning to growers who may be planning on illegally planting Bloom Fresh varieties in the upcoming season. Bloom Fresh will continue to act with the strongest legal recourse against nurseries and growers who illegally use its proprietary varieties and trademarks, the company said.
The grower of the illegal grapes, found in South Peru, was forced to uproot and remove all 110 hectares of planted material at their own expense and with a significant effect on its future revenue streams. The grower also had to pay an expensive penalty for infringement.
Bloom Fresh monitors the marketplace to seek out infringers and ensure the enforcement of its patents. Once they become aware of any potential infringements, they have local and international legal teams ready to act, the company said.
“Today we are sending a clear message to the industry and growers considering planting Bloom Fresh varieties illegally, said Josep Estiarte, CEO of Bloom Fresh. “Infringement of our intellectual property will not be tolerated, and we will bring the full weight of our resources against anyone who believes they can get away with this. This case demonstrates the significant financial consequences that offending growers will face.
“Legitimate growers worldwide trust us to help them build their businesses for the long term. We must protect their interests by ensuring that those who wish to plant our varieties illegally are held into account,” Estiarte said.
“We are also a founding member of The Global Breeders Alliance which has a global network of investigators that continuously screen the market looking for infringements. We routinely run DNA tests on any fruit or plants that we believe may be illegal and we work closely with the major retailers and distributors worldwide to identify infringements of our intellectual property” Estiarte said.
