Genus
Lithodora
5 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 4 still protected comes off patent on May 21, 2028.
Still under patent — 4 cultivars
Soonest to come off patent first. You may not propagate these for sale until the date shown.
- White StarPP20078Lithodora plant named ‘White Star’UNDER PATENTMay 21, 2028
- MonRikPP26250Lithodora plant named ‘MonRik’UNDER PATENTFebruary 1, 2034
- Crystal BluePP26553Lithodora plant named ‘Crystal Blue’UNDER PATENTNovember 13, 2034
- LITGSPP28629Lithodora plant named ‘LITGS’UNDER PATENTAugust 23, 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.
- Lithospermum StarPP10096Lithodora diffusum plant named `Lithospermum Star`PUBLIC DOMAINAugust 8, 2016
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.