Sun World triumphs in legal battle over table grape licensing in Egypt

EGYPT – Sun World International has won a significant legal victory in Egypt, with two courts ruling in favor of the company in a dispute over the unauthorized production and sale of its licensed table grapes.

The Cairo and Tanta economic courts issued injunctions against two Egyptian growers, banning them from propagating Sun World’s proprietary grape varieties and mandating the destruction of illegally planted vines.

“We will enforce the full extent of our rights against these infringers,” said Michael Stimson, Sun World’s vice president of IP and general counsel. “We are determined to stop illegal production, remove the infringing plantings, and collect damages for past infringement.”

Despite Sun World’s Plant Variety Rights (PVRs) registrations in Egypt, some farmers had been found growing the company’s grapes without authorization.

This infringement not only violated Egyptian PVR and criminal laws but also harmed the market for authorized growers.

Sun World’s proactive measures included monitoring grape-growing regions and markets worldwide.

“Through private and court-ordered investigations, we identified our proprietary vines on farms owned by unlicensed growers,” Stimson explained. “After a thorough investigation, we pursued legal action to protect our rights.”

The company holds over 200 patents and PVRs globally, with varieties licensed to growers in 22 countries. Sun World’s business model focuses on developing and licensing superior plant varieties, including those for table grapes, stone fruits, cherries, and mangos.

This ensures that licensed farmers, such as those in Egypt, benefit from higher market prices due to the quality of Sun World’s offerings.

“Our goal is to deliver the best varieties possible to our licensees,” Stimson added. “Illegal activities undermine the market value for fruit grown by law-abiding farmers. We are committed to enforcing our intellectual property rights globally.”

This legal success follows Sun World’s recent acquisition of Biogold Group, a South Africa-based manager of fruit variety rights.

Known as Citrogold in South Africa, Biogold specializes in citrus genetics and manages a broad collection of mango and avocado varieties.

David Marguleas, CEO of Sun World, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition. “Sun World is known for our careful commercialization process, and we are deliberate with our acquisitions,” Marguleas said. “This alliance strengthens both companies and integrates our expertise.”

The acquisition enhances Sun World’s position in citrus, mangoes, and avocados, reflecting the rising consumer demand for these fruits.

The deal also promises to create new growth opportunities for both companies, benefiting their extensive network of licensees and attracting new clients.