This working paper presents and critically discusses some of the key terms and concepts related to commons-based approaches to seed production. The paper reviews concepts such as varieties, organic breeding, agrobiodiversity, food sovereignty or social-ecological transformation from diverse disciplinary perspectives and in light of their historical developments. Its main purpose is to develop a joint understanding of seed commons as research subject across academic disciplines and in cooperation with practical partners. The publication may be of interest to researchers who have an interest in seed commons and to early-career researchers aiming to gain an overview of the conceptual development of these terms and concepts.