Q: Is there a patent for substrate jars for growing "organic" mushrooms?
I have jars that are filled with dirt, vermiculite, and perlite. They are made "sterile" by pressurizing them. Before sterilization, there are holes nailed into the lids of eight ounce Ball Jars and foil placed. They are then ready for innoculation after pressure cooking.
A:
Yes, there are patents on mushroom growing substrates. I remember running across some of these many years ago.
But dirt, vermiculite, and perlite are substances that have been used in horticulture for generations. Sterilization of growing substrates has also been done for decades. Based on what you wrote, I don't think that you are going to worry about patents in this case.
A:
To the extent that you want to do some searching to reduce the chance of a patent existing that impacts your freedom to operate, you will find some useful tips at http://bit.ly/Patent_Searching.
Good luck. I appreciate that you are being careful and looking for issues before you invest money.
Kevin E Flynn
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