RE: Going to Rhizome Auction
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: RE: Going to Rhizome Auction
- From: T* T* L* <t*@rt66.com>
- Date: Fri, 8 Aug 1997 10:15:53 -0600 (MDT)
Gavin writes
>I see talk of iris auctions and mention of "last
>year's introductions" being for sale. Technically speaking, is that
>breaking the law to sell someone elses variety? I assumemost new
>introductions are protected by a plant variety protection document, which
>would prevent most folks from marketing them for 14 years.
Actually, things are a bit different in the iris world. Since the market
for new irises is really very narrow, breeders do not find it economical to
retain exclusive rights in this fashion. I think a few cultivars have been
patented (anyone know?), but for the most part, all that breeders expect is
to be the sole source during the year of introduction. After that, it is
expected that the iris will be offered for sale elswhere. In fact, it is
encouraged. The wider availability means the iris will be grown and seen by
more people (including judges), with increased chance of earning a
reputation for itself (and the hybridizer).
A hybridizer who jealously guarded his or her introductions for 14 years
would not become rich, just obscure.
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Tom Tadfor Little telp@Rt66.com
Iris-L list owner * USDA zone 5/6 * AIS region 23
Santa Fe, New Mexico (USA)
Telperion Productions http://www.rt66.com/~telp/
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Iris-L Web Site http://www.rt66.com/~telp/garden.htm
