Notice: The uscode.house.gov website is currently operating in a temporary format. While the United States Code remains available from its authoritative source, some website features and functionality are temporarily unavailable.
The United States Code Online is current through Public Law 119-121 (October 9, 2026).
Search & Browse Currency and Updating Classification Tables Popular Name Tool Positive Law Codification Editorial Reclassification Downloads
7 U.S.C. 2542: Grandfather clauseText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-121 (October 9, 2026).
From Title 7-AGRICULTURECHAPTER 57-PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION
Jump To: Source CreditEditorial NotesAmendmentsStatutory Notes and Related SubsidiariesEffective Date of Amendment

§2542. Grandfather clause

Nothing in this chapter shall abridge the right of any person, or the successor in interest of the person, to reproduce or sell a variety developed and produced by such person more than one year prior to the effective filing date of an adverse application for a certificate of plant variety protection.

( Pub. L. 91-577, title III, § 112 , Dec. 24, 1970 , 84 Stat. 1555 ; Pub. L. 103-349, § 13(r) , Oct. 6, 1994 , 108 Stat. 3144 .)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994⁠—Pub. L. 103-349 substituted “the successor in interest of the person” for “his successor in interest”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103-349 effective 180 days after Oct. 6, 1994, see section 15 of Pub. L. 103-349, set out as a note under section 2401 of this title.