Genus
Lychnis
6 US plant patents have been granted in this genus. 2 are already in the public domain — anyone may propagate and sell them. The next of the 4 still protected comes off patent on May 7, 2033.
On the name: Filed as Lychnis. Now generally treated as a synonym of Silene.
Still under patent — 4 cultivars
Soonest to come off patent first. You may not propagate these for sale until the date shown.
- Pmoore05PP25460Lychnis plant named ‘Pmoore05’UNDER PATENTMay 7, 2033
- LipstickPP26243Lychnis plant named ‘Lipstick’UNDER PATENTMay 15, 2034
- LychjenpetPP27495Lychnis plant named ‘Lychjenpet’UNDER PATENTJune 23, 2035
- IFLYPHPP31373Lychnis plant named ‘IFLYPH’UNDER PATENTFebruary 21, 2039
Already in the public domain — 2 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.
- Rolly's FavoritePP17392Lychnis plant named ‘Rolly's Favorite’PUBLIC DOMAINJuly 19, 2025
- LychjenPP14139Lychnis plant named ‘Lychjen’PUBLIC DOMAINMay 10, 2022
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.