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The multinational seed industry is pressing for more international harmonization of the plant breeders’ rights protection system that will intensify corporate control. The International Seed Federation (ISF), the International Community of Breeders of Asexually Reproduced Ornamental and Fruit Plants (CIOPORA) and CropLife International (CLI) argued for this at the 88th session of the Consultative Committee (CC) of UPOV, calling for an international filing system, an UPOV quality assurance program and a central examination system for variety denominations. This article highlights key elements of the seed industry proposal and analyses claims of the industry from a development perspective.