Sep 21, 2024

WSU reveals licensing details for new apple variety, WA 64

Washington State University (WSU) has granted exclusive rights to International New-Varieties Network to license the new apple variety, WA 64, in the U.S. and abroad. However, only Washington state growers can obtain a license to cultivate the variety domestically.

WSU shared in a recent email that Willow Drive Intellectual Property Protection (WIPP) has been appointed by INN to manage licenses. Nurseries participating in the Washington State Fruit Tree Certification Program or a similar state program can be licensed to propagate and sell WA 64 trees, with a one-time fee of $2,500. Growers will pay a $1.35 royalty per tree.

Additionally, the email from WSU noted that trademark usage fees will apply to packed products, costing $0.03 per pound, or $1.20 per 40-pound box. Packers and marketers can obtain licenses to handle WA 64 apples, with packers paying an annual $5,000 fee and marketers paying no licensing fees.

Farmgate sales will incur an annual production royalty of $2 per tree, starting from the second year after planting, according to WSU’s email.

Growers interested in WA 64 must contact WIPP to secure a license and order trees through licensed propagators. For more information, visit wa64.org or contact WIPP via email.