The first revised regulations on the protection of new plant varieties since 1997 took effect on March 1, empowering agricultural or forest administrations to fine offenders up to 250,000 yuan ($40,175) for infringements valued at less than 50,000 yuan. For damages over 50,000 yuan, violators will face fines of up to five times the value of the produce they sold.

(Source: China Daily)