Genus

Vinca

9 US plant patents have been granted in this genus. 5 are already in the public domain — anyone may propagate and sell them. The next of the 4 still protected comes off patent on June 30, 2028.

Still under patent — 4 cultivars

Soonest to come off patent first. You may not propagate these for sale until the date shown.

24 CaratPP20289Vinca plant named ‘24 Carat’UNDER PATENTJune 30, 2028
Vinsid 1PP20409Vinca minor plant named ‘Vinsid 1’UNDER PATENTAugust 25, 2028
ParvinPP20484Vinca minor plant named ‘Parvin’UNDER PATENTOctober 4, 2028
RainerPP30092Vinca plant named ‘Rainer’UNDER PATENTMay 11, 2037

Already in the public domain — 5 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.

Giant StepsPP16651Plant variety of Vinca minor named ‘Giant Steps’PUBLIC DOMAINOctober 3, 2024
Sunny SkiesPP13466Vinca minor plant named ‘Sunny Skies’PUBLIC DOMAINJuly 25, 2021
Wojo's JemPP11809Vinca plant named ‘Wojo's Jem’PUBLIC DOMAINSeptember 15, 2019
IlluminationPP12132Vinca minor plant named ‘Illumination’PUBLIC DOMAINJune 14, 2019
Vinca minor named SummersnowPP8170PUBLIC DOMAINNovember 5, 2010

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.