Genus
Andropogon
8 US plant patents have been granted in this genus. 1 is already in the public domain — anyone may propagate and sell it. The next of the 7 still protected comes off patent on January 28, 2033.
Still under patent — 7 cultivars
Soonest to come off patent first. You may not propagate these for sale until the date shown.
- Indian WarriorPP24999Andropogon gerardii plant named ‘Indian Warrior’UNDER PATENTJanuary 28, 2033
- Rain DancePP26284Andropogon gerardii plant named ‘Rain Dance’UNDER PATENTFebruary 14, 2034
- Red OctoberPP26283Andropogon gerardii plant named ‘Red October’UNDER PATENTFebruary 15, 2034
- Dancing WindPP26892Andropogon gerardii plant named ‘Dancing Wind’UNDER PATENTJanuary 6, 2035
- BlackhawksPP27949Andropogon gerardii plant named ‘Blackhawks’UNDER PATENTDecember 15, 2035
- Holy SmokePP33929Andropogon gerardii plant named ‘Holy Smoke’UNDER PATENTJanuary 4, 2041
- Blue SteelPP37393Andropogon grass named ‘Blue Steel’UNDER PATENTOctober 14, 2045
Already in the public domain — 1 cultivar
Most recently freed first. Anyone may propagate and sell this plant — though the name it is sold under may still be a live trademark.
- Big DaddyPP16162Andropogon plant named ‘Big Daddy’PUBLIC DOMAINJune 22, 2024
A patent expiring frees the plant, and its cultivar name comes with it — cultivar names cannot be trademarked, so they are always free to use. What it does not free is any brand name the plant is marketed under. Those are trademarks and renew indefinitely.