Genus
Zea
4 US plant patents have been granted in this genus. 4 are already in the public domain — anyone may propagate and sell them.
Already in the public domain — 4 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.
- Venus ExpressPP17444Corn plant named ‘Venus Express’PUBLIC DOMAINApril 18, 2025
- Sun StarPP9640Corn plant named `Sun Star`PUBLIC DOMAINMay 31, 2015
- TripsacornPP7977Corn plant named TripsacornPUBLIC DOMAINNovember 13, 2010
- Sun DancePP6906Corn plant named Sun DancePUBLIC DOMAINNovember 4, 2007
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.