In a message dated 2/14/07 11:25:22 PM, Lee writes: > I will admit that I did not know that orchids are patented. > All sorts of plants are patented. I don't know about other countries, but plants have been patented in the US for about 30 years. I assume US patents on plants are protected by international treaty like other patents. I believe a patent lasts 17 years. The most commonly patented type of plant in the US is roses. Daylilies are also patented. I believe the first patented US orchid was Blc. Pamela Hetherington. Don't remember the clone name, possibly 'Coronation.' Only an individual clone can be patented. If a plant is patented, the plant cannot be propagated asexually (mericloned) and sold commercially without paying a royalty. This works with orchids & roses because so many varieties look almost alike. The practical effect with many pot plants is that the patented plant is sold with a wink or a nickname instead of a label. It only pays to patent a plant if a better one is not likely to be developed within the time limit of the patent. Iris
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