Genus
Metasequoia
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 December 18, 2028.
Still under patent — 4 cultivars
Soonest to come off patent first. You may not propagate these for sale until the date shown.
- Shirrmann's NordlichtPP20820Metasequoia glyptostroboides plant named ‘Shirrmann's Nordlicht’UNDER PATENTDecember 18, 2028
- WAH-08AGPP29472Metasequoia plant named ‘WAH-08AG’UNDER PATENTApril 26, 2037
- Urban SpirePP31149Metasequoia tree named ‘Urban Spire’UNDER PATENTJuly 12, 2038
- Soul FirePP32580Metasequoia tree named ‘Soul Fire’UNDER PATENTFebruary 18, 2040
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.
- Golden DawnPP11848Metasequoia glyptostroboides plant named ‘Golden Dawn’PUBLIC DOMAINNovember 12, 2018
- Golden OjiPP9346Dawn Redwood variety "Golden Oji"PUBLIC DOMAINAugust 16, 2014
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.