Paul Swanson authored an article in Seattle Business magazine’s April 2014 issue titled “Core Issues — New Patents in the World of Apples.” In the article, Paul discussed two new patents for apples and their propagation methods, including a new variety of apple known only by its patent title, an “Apple Tree Named ‘WA 38,’” and a patentable innovation — U.S. Patent No. 8,186,099 — entitled “Method of Producing Propagating Material to Be Used in Tree Cultivations of Double-Trunk Type.”
When one speaks of an “apple” and patentable technology in the same breath, thoughts naturally turn toward Silicon Valley and Steve Jobs’ storied company. Yet, in Wenatchee, Washington (the “Apple Capital of the World”), and the Yakima Valley, two new patents for apples and their propagation methods may rock the world of consumers and commercial orchardists.