US Plant Patent PP4111
Zebris
Pieris japonica - Zebris variety
PUBLIC DOMAIN
Patent expired September 27, 1994. This plant is in the public domain — anyone may propagate and sell it.
Twenty years from the filing date would end on May 20, 1996, but this patent ends 601 days earlier — a terminal disclaimer gives term back. A source that calculates twenty years from filing would tell you this plant is still protected when it is already free.
The record
- Patent number
- PP4111
- Filed
- May 20, 1976
- Granted
- September 27, 1977
- Expires
- September 27, 1994
- Assignee
- CONARD PYLE COMPANY
- Inventor
- ZEBEHAZY ALEX J
Abstract
The invention relates to a new and distinct variety of Pieris japonica of the evergreen shrub type wherein the new shoots exhibit a bright and distinctive reddish-purple color on the new leaves and stems in combination with a vigorous decorative upright growth habit, abundant mature leaves of larger size having a darker green color which is maintained over the winter, flowers which open and mature seven to ten days later, and young stems and branches which exhibit a more even reddish winter color.
Show the legal claimThe single numbered claim as granted — the legal text that defines what this patent covers.
Having thus described and illustrated my new variety of Pieris japonica what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is: 1. A new and distinct variety of Pieris japonica of the evergreen shrub type substantially as shown and described, characterized particularly as to novelty by the unique combination of the new shoots having brilliant reddish-purple color on the new leaves and stems; the highly decorative growth of even, compact, upright habit, vigorous and freely branched; greater winter hardiness and disease resistance; with more abundant leaves of larger size with darker green color and which hold this color over the winter; with flowers which open and mature 7 to 10 days later, and young stems and branches having a more even reddish winter color.
Read the full patent: US Plant Patent PP4111 in full — the complete specification, every figure, and the file history.