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The Patent Garden

US Plant Patent PP13131

Royal Dawn

Cherry tree named ‘Royal Dawn’

PUBLIC DOMAIN

Patent expired May 23, 2021. This plant is in the public domain — anyone may propagate and sell it.

Twenty years from the filing date would end on January 12, 2021. This patent earned 131 days of term adjustment for delay at the Patent Office, which is why it runs longer.

Figure 1 of US plant patent PP13131, the photograph of Royal Dawn printed in the patent.
Figure 1 from US Plant Patent PP13131, reproduced as printed. Photographs in a plant patent are taken by the applicant. Reproduction of the patent document is permitted; the image is shown whole and uncropped for that reason.

The record

Patent number
PP13131
Filed
January 12, 2001
Granted
October 29, 2002
Expires
May 23, 2021
Inventor
ZAIGER CHRIS FLOYD; ZAIGER GARY NEIL; GARDNER LEITH MARIE; ZAIGER GRANT GENE

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of cherry tree ( Prunus avium ). Its novelty consists of the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on Mahaleb rootstock (non-patented), grown on Hanford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., and with standard commercial cultural fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. 1. Heavy and regular production of medium to large size fruit. 2. Fruit with an attractive red skin color. 3. The ability of the fruit to hold firm on the tree 12 to 14 days after maturity (shipping ripe). 4. Fruit with firm flesh, good handling and shipping quality. 5. Vigorous, upright tree growth. 6. Fruit with excellent flavor and eating quality.

Show the legal claimThe single numbered claim as granted — the legal text that defines what this patent covers.

We claim: 1. A new and distinct variety of cherry tree, substantially as illustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorous, upright growth and being a heavy and regular bearer of medium to large, firm, fruit with excellent flavor and eating quality; the fruit is further characterized by holding firm on the tree for 12 to 14 days after maturity (shipping ripe), having good handling and shipping quality and, in comparison to the Bing Cherry (non-patented), the new variety blooms 5 to 6 days earlier and the fruit is approximately 10 to 11 days earlier in maturity.

Read the full patent: US Plant Patent PP13131 in full — the complete specification, every figure, and the file history.