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Trademarking Trees with Dr. Werner

Trademarking Trees with Dr. Werner

Each year has its new must-have plants. But those plants can take decades to go from idea to the perfect new plant for your garden. Prominent plant breeder, Dr. Denny Werner, explains how he created the popular ‘Ruby Falls’ redbud tree and gives us a sneak peek at his latest creation.  Dr. Werner also explains why some plants are trademarked or patented and how that supports future research.

Story Highlights

  • Prior to Dr. Werner’s breeding project, begun in the 1990s, all new redbud introductions began as a chance seedling.
  • Patenting protects an innovative new plant and trademarking protects the name of the plant
  • A portion of the sale price of plants released by NC State goes back into new plant research

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