Genus
Manfreda
2 US plant patents have been granted in this genus. 0 are already in the public domain — anyone may propagate and sell them. The next of the 2 still protected comes off patent on January 13, 2037.
On the name: Filed as Manfreda. Now generally treated as a synonym of Agave.
Still under patent — 2 cultivars
Soonest to come off patent first. You may not propagate these for sale until the date shown.
- Mint Chocolate ChipPP29343Manfreda plant named ‘Mint Chocolate Chip’UNDER PATENTJanuary 13, 2037
- Cherry Chocolate ChipPP29918Manfreda plant named ‘Cherry Chocolate Chip’UNDER PATENTOctober 2, 2037
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.