§2371. Plant variety protection fees

(a) In general

The Secretary shall, under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, charge and collect reasonable fees for services performed under this chapter.

(b) Late payment penalty

On failure to pay such fees, the Secretary shall assess a late payment penalty. Such overdue fees shall accrue interest as required by section 3717 of title 31.

(c) Disposition of funds

Such fees, late payment penalties, and accrued interest collected shall be credited to the account that incurs the cost and shall remain available without fiscal year limitation to pay the expenses incurred by the Secretary in carrying out this chapter. Such funds collected (including late payment penalties and any interest earned) may be invested by the Secretary in insured or fully collateralized, interest-bearing accounts or, at the discretion of the Secretary, by the Secretary of the Treasury in United States Government debt instruments.

(d) Actions for nonpayment

The Attorney General may bring an action for the recovery of charges that have not been paid in accordance with this chapter against any person obligated for payment of such charges under this chapter in any United States district court or other United States court for any territory or possession in any jurisdiction in which the person is found, resides, or transacts business. The court shall have jurisdiction to hear and decide the action.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this chapter.

( Pub. L. 91–577, title I, §31, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1545 ; Pub. L. 96–574, §10, Dec. 22, 1980, 94 Stat. 3350 ; Pub. L. 100–203, title I, §1505, Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–28 .)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1987-Pub. L. 100–203 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: "The Secretary shall, under such regulations as he may prescribe, charge and collect reasonable fees for services performed under this chapter. Such fees shall be deposited into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts. There are hereby authorized to be appropriated such funds as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter."

1980-Pub. L. 96–574 substituted provisions relating to deposit of fees and authorization of appropriations for provisions relating to recovering of fees, initial capital of the fund, and charging of fees.