AI Companies Should Withdraw Proposed IP Restrictions on Bulls to Allow Further Engagement

Speaking after a meeting with AI company representatives yesterday, IFA President Francie Gorman said AI companies need to withdraw any plans to bring in IP restrictions on AI bulls in 2025.

They should remove all such references to IP from their Terms and Conditions or other legal documents they are asking farmers to sign. 

“There is widespread confusion among farmers about what they are being asked to sign up for. It’s very unclear what impact these restrictions could have on the value of bulls sold by farmers to domestic AI companies. It is also unclear what impact it could have on the second generation, with some AI companies proposing restrictions on the second generation also,” outlined the IFA President.

“I understand the concerns about the risk of losing our best genetics to international competitors, but this is not the way to go about it. It has been rushed in, just ahead of the breeding season, at a time when farmers are flat out calving cows. They are being asked to agree to changed terms and conditions or to enter a breeder’s club with little chance to assess what the implications could be for them.”

“Any IP plans should be withdrawn for the coming breeding season, with time given to farmers to fully understand the implications of what they are being asked to sign up to,” the President concluded.