Genus
Erica
4 US plant patents have been granted in this genus. 4 are already in the public domain — anyone may propagate and sell them.
Already in the public domain — 4 cultivars
Most recently freed first. Anyone may propagate and sell these plants — though the name it is sold under may still be a live trademark.
- Happy IIPP9497Heath plant named `Happy II`PUBLIC DOMAINDecember 22, 2014
- Heath plant named HappyPP8650PUBLIC DOMAINOctober 21, 2012
- Heath plant named HeidiPP8014PUBLIC DOMAINMay 9, 2011
- RosemariePP7536Heath plant named RosemariePUBLIC DOMAINDecember 7, 2009
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.