Anyone who has had an idea has worried it’s going to be stolen from them. I remember exactly how fearful I felt when I had my big idea nearly 25 years ago. If you’re in the same boat now, breathe.

Importantly, Plant patents cover any new variety of asexually reproducing plants, including hybrids, they are the ones that cost $4,000 to $12,000. Design patents protect the ornamental design of an ...