Plant
Orchid
7 US plant patents name this plant. 5 have expired, so those cultivars are free to propagate and sell. The next of the 2 still protected comes off patent on February 11, 2028.
Still under patent — 2 cultivars
Soonest to come off patent first. You may not propagate these for sale until the date shown.
- KatePP19878Orchid plant named ‘Kate’UNDER PATENTFebruary 11, 2028
- HONEY MICHELLPP34967Orchid named ‘HONEY MICHELL’UNDER PATENTApril 20, 2042
Already in the public domain — 5 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.
- Pink DawnPP8191Orchid `Pink Dawn`PUBLIC DOMAINApril 8, 2011
- Orchid plantPP4871PUBLIC DOMAINMay 21, 2000
- Golden KingPP4715Orchid plant: Golden KingPUBLIC DOMAINOctober 4, 1999
- Orchid plantPP4446PUBLIC DOMAINJune 19, 1998
- TenerifePP4058Orchid named TenerifePUBLIC DOMAINMay 31, 1994
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.