What is a plant patent?

A plant patent is a specialized type of patent granted to an individual who invents or discovers and asexually reproduces a distinct and new variety of plant. Plant patents are granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and are only available to individuals or entities based in the United States. In Indiana, an individual must submit an application for a plant patent to the USPTO and include a description of the new plant as well as the steps taken to asexually reproduce it. Additionally, the applicant must also provide evidence that the plant has been propagated and maintained through asexual reproduction. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, the inventor will be granted a patent that is valid for twenty years. This patent will protect the inventor from others who might attempt to sell or use the new plant. The patent will also provide the inventor with exclusive commercial rights to the new variety of plant. This means that the inventor can decide how and when the plant can be sold, as well as the price. Plant patents can be helpful for those who wish to protect varieties of plants they have invented or discovered. By providing the applicant with an exclusive commercial right, it will protect the invention from being misused or stolen by others. This protection will help ensure that the inventor is properly compensated for their hard work and investment.

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