AI Companies Approach to Intellectual Property Rights for Bulls Needs Further Discussion

Commenting on the approach to establishing IPs (Intellectual Property rights) for certain bulls by a select number of Irish AI companies, IFA President Francie Gorman said there are a number of issues that need to be addressed. These include ensuring competition in the marketplace and recognising that the rights of the farmer who breeds and owns the animal. 

“IFA met with the four companies concerned on two occasions and we have directly raised our concerns that these IP proposals will stifle domestic competition for bulls being purchased as potential future AI sires. These concerns must be addressed by the companies before asking farmers to sign up to any IP requirements.” he said 

The IFA President said the principle of protecting Irish genetics for Irish farmers is a valid objective. 

However, Francie Gorman said the approach embarked on by the four AI companies does not yet address the concerns raised by IFA. The companies involved have committed to engaging further with IFA on the matter.

“Seeking to protect Ireland’s best genetics to ensure they remain available to Irish farmers at affordable prices is an outcome we all want to achieve. However, this cannot be at the cost of inhibiting competition. Farmers provide 50% of the genetics for these animals; the AI companies should recognise this and address the valid concerns of farmers before embarking on any proposed IP restrictions.”

“Until these discussions are concluded farmers should pay close attention to the Terms and Conditions of any contracts they are being asked to sign by AI companies,” he said.