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US Plant Patent PP18537

Escort

Interspecific Prunus plant named ‘Escort’

UNDER PATENT

Still under patent. Protection ends December 4, 2026.

Twenty years from the filing date would end on November 13, 2026. This patent earned 21 days of term adjustment for delay at the Patent Office, which is why it runs longer.

Figure 1 of US plant patent PP18537, the photograph of Escort printed in the patent.
Figure 1 from US Plant Patent PP18537, 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
PP18537
Filed
November 13, 2006
Granted
March 4, 2008
Expires
December 4, 2026
Assignee
GARDNER LEITH MARIE, ZAIGER GARY NEIL, ZAIGER GRANT GENE
Inventor
ZAIGER GARY NEIL; GARDNER LEITH MARIE; ZAIGER GRANT GENE

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features: 1. Heavy and regular production of large size fruit. 2. Fruit with an attractive orange flesh and skin color. 3. Vigorous, semi-spreading tree growth. 4. Relatively uniform ripening of fruit throughout the tree. 5. Fruit with a good balance between acid and sugar. 6. Fruit with good handling and shipping quality.

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

1. A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree, substantially as illustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorous, semi-spreading growth and being a regular and productive bearer of large, firm, freestone fruit with good flavor and eating quality; the fruit is further characterized by holding firm on the tree 12 to 14 days after maturity (shipping ripe), having an attractive orange flesh and skin color and being relatively uniform in size and maturity throughout the tree.

Read the full patent: US Plant Patent PP18537 in full — the complete specification, every figure, and the file history.