Hello all, I ran across an article in Orchids from awhile back about patenting orchid cultivars and wondered if anyone had one or knew anything about them. I know they apply to the specific cultivar and prevent others from mericloning them for 17 years, but are there any other benefits?

On another unrelated topic, can anyone confirm that Dr. Braem really punched a customs official who accused him of smuggling? Story here:
http://saintpetersburgtimes.com/2003/11/02/Tampabay/A_whiff_of_scandal.shtml

--Stephen

orchids aren't the only ones which can be patented. everything from impatiens to vegetables are. it is a way to protect one's investment and time spent developing new varieties

On another unrelated topic, can anyone confirm that Dr. Braem really punched a customs official who accused him of smuggling? Story here:
http://saintpetersburgtimes.com/2003/11/02/Tampabay/A_whiff_of_scandal.shtml

--Stephen

I'm quite sure that story is also published in in Orchid Fever by Hansen (who is also quoted in that article) in the chapter in which he visits Braem and Popow.

You can search the US patent database here http://patft.uspto.gov/netahtml/search-bool.html
Just search for whatever term you want (orchidaceae or paphiopedilum etc) in all fields and PP in the patent number.

Great link... only ~50 orchids patented so far...

I can't seem to find my copy of Orchid Fever, although it's gotta be around here somewhere...

--Stephen

forgot to give you this link http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/plant/