Genus
Cotoneaster
7 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 6 still protected comes off patent on October 20, 2030.
Still under patent — 6 cultivars
Soonest to come off patent first. You may not propagate these for sale until the date shown.
- GeraldPP22760Cotoneaster plant named ‘Gerald’UNDER PATENTOctober 20, 2030
- Lemon FunkyPP23746Cotoneaster plant named ‘Lemon Funky’UNDER PATENTAugust 17, 2031
- BronfirePP30493Cotoneaster plant named ‘Bronfire’UNDER PATENTJune 11, 2037
- Emerald SpritePP31719Cotoneaster plant named ‘Emerald Sprite’UNDER PATENTSeptember 24, 2038
- Emerald BeautyPP32308Cotoneaster plant named ‘Emerald Beauty’UNDER PATENTJune 10, 2039
- MONSHGUSPP36690Cotoneaster plant named ‘MONSHGUS’UNDER PATENTJune 14, 2044
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.
- BelkaPP16230Cotoneaster plant named ‘Belka’PUBLIC DOMAINNovember 10, 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.