Decision brings closure to the multi-year infringement case involving large scale illegal Sweet Sapphire plantings
Bloom Fresh has won a ruling by China’s Supreme People’s Court (SPC) which has upheld an earlier administrative penalty decision made by the Binchuan Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
The action concerned the unauthorised production, propagation and sales of the protected IFG Six grape variety, marketed under the trademark Sweet Sapphire and the trade name Zi Yu Tian Zhu/紫玉天珠.
The SPC’s decision brings closure to the multi-year infringement case involving large scale hectares of illegally planted IFG Six vines in one of China’s most important grape-producing regions.
The judgment confirmed that the defendant infringed Bloom Fresh’s Plant Variety Rights, the fine issued by the local authority was correct and enforceable, and the destruction of all propagating materials was lawful and appropriate.
With the appeal dismissed at the highest level, the fine and penalty originally imposed by the Binchuan Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs will be fully enforced.
“This ruling represents a decisive enforcement win and reinforces the strength of PVR protection in China,” said Josep Estiarte, CEO of Bloom Fresh.
“We applaud the efforts of the local authorities to implement the PBR law and take action against infringements. We also applaud the SPC for uploading the decision and actions of the administrative authorities,” added Alanna Rennie, chief legal officer of loom Fresh.
“This implementation and upholding of the law in China gives Bloom Fresh renewed energy and confidence to continue investing in the long-term development of varieties for Chinese farms and consumers and commercialising these in China. This cements our long-term vision in China.”
Protecting innovation for growers and consumers
The enforcement coincides with Bloom Fresh’s completion of the IFG Six legalisation programme in China which was finalised on 31 October 2025.
With the window now closed, Bloom Fresh will actively pursue any IFG Six infringements it identifies. This ensures that compliant, authorised growers are fully protected and continue to receive the benefits of being Bloom fresh licensees. It also safeguards the quality, reputation, and value of IFG Six in the Chinese market.
“Our ambition to support the growth of the industry in China depends on protecting the integrity of our varieties and the interests of our licensed growers,” added Campbell Banfield, general manager for Bloom Fresh China, Australia and South-East Asia. “This judgment ensures that legitimate growers can feel protected and is a clear signal to all growers, nurseries, marketers and retailers that it is critical to be confident in the legitimacy and legality of your value chain. Bloom Fresh is here in China to support legitimate operators and work to ensure we have a fair and prosperous industry.”
Bloom Fresh will continue to stamp out illegal production and propagation of IFG Six across the country and throughout the supply chain while investing to build the Sweet Sapphire brand through world class technical, quality, commercial and marketing support.
