Abstract: Securing patent on a newly bred plant is another approach in protecting intellectual property rights.It is a basic and essential national strategy to protect its agricultural and scientific discoveries.The system would promote innovation in plant breeding,improve competitiveness on the international market,as well as safeguard natural resources on germplasms.Patent protection on new plant varieties was seen especially important to encourage breeders in developing new varieties that could benefit the agriculture and forestry business.Through using the information relating to rice,this article discusses the problems encountered in the past and the reasons behind them on rice breeding research in China.Shortcomings,such as limited genetic basis,low utilization of idioplasmatic resources,redundant low-level breeding practices,insufficient incentive for business to participate,etc.were evident.Based on the prior research and managerial experiences of developed countries,some countermeasures and strategies to stimulate innovation on rice breeding are suggested.