Genus
Illicium
6 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 5 still protected comes off patent on June 15, 2029.
Still under patent — 5 cultivars
Soonest to come off patent first. You may not propagate these for sale until the date shown.
- Pink FrostPP21287Illicium plant named ‘Pink Frost’UNDER PATENTJune 15, 2029
- JCJCPP24640Illicium plant named ‘JCJC’UNDER PATENTNovember 18, 2032
- PIIIP-IPP28887Illicium plant named ‘PIIIP-I’UNDER PATENTSeptember 13, 2036
- NCIH2PP29938Illicium plant named ‘NCIH2’UNDER PATENTDecember 9, 2036
- NCIH1PP29939Illicium plant named ‘NCIH1’UNDER PATENTDecember 9, 2036
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.
- Variegated IlliciumPP16269PUBLIC DOMAINJanuary 18, 2023
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.