diff --git a/models/database.py b/models/database.py
index 9987f5261fca0181eda03f29de2c246b7439741b..a6de295bec1f5c300482e0220ca1530db74ac902 100644
--- a/models/database.py
+++ b/models/database.py
@@ -486,7 +486,7 @@ class DefaultTOP(DatabaseModel):
         localtop = self.get_localtop(protocol)
         top = TOP(
             protocol_id=protocol.id, name=self.name,
-            description=localtop.description)
+            description=getattr(localtop, "description", ""))
         return top