Wow, weird situation on these Aloes.
It is not right to not be giving the breeder credit, that's for sure.
Here is some info. many of you may or may not know.
The Italian names given to a group of the Aloes was done by a large commercial propagator who
paid for the rights to do so. In turn, this company trademarked (TM) the Italian names. They did not however, Patent (PP) them. Therefore, anybody can legally grow and propagate using any names other than the said trademarked names. ie Vito,Guido,etc.. Those plants are not "Throw-Aways" and should not be treated as such.
Many of the newer hybrids are shown with PPAF which means the Patent has been applied for. Whether patented or patent applied for, the plants marked as such are protected. There is a 2 year period from the time of application to the of granted patent. The patent is then good for 18 years. A trademark is valid for 18 years also however, a trademark can be renewed again and again while a Patent cannot.
The Patent holder, depending on the actual deal, will be given said Royalty fee on for any outside propagation granted for this material. Unless of course sold directly by the holder.
Plants that are trademarked may also involve Royalties to the breeder or the breeders employer???
Thanks, Larry