Plant

Japanese Zelkova

3 US plant patents name this plant. 1 has expired, so that cultivar is free to propagate and sell. The next of the 2 still protected comes off patent on October 23, 2028.

Still under patent — 2 cultivars

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

JFS-KW1PP20996Japanese Zelkova tree named ‘JFS-KW1’UNDER PATENTOctober 23, 2028
JFS KW4ZSPP34818Japanese Zelkova tree named ‘JFS KW4ZS’UNDER PATENTApril 25, 2042

Already in the public domain — 1 cultivar

Most recently freed first. Anyone may propagate and sell this plant — though the name it is sold under may still be a live trademark.

ZSFKFPP17220Japanese Zelkova tree named ‘ZSFKF’PUBLIC DOMAINFebruary 24, 2024

Botanically this is Zelkova. A patent expiring frees the plant, and its cultivar name with it — cultivar names cannot be trademarked. Any brand name it is sold under is a separate thing and may still be owned.