WSU officials delay announcement of new apple name

Last week, a spokesperson for Washington State University’s agriculture college said the goal was to name WSU’s new apple this week. 

That decision has been delayed until the end of 2024. 

Jeremy Tamsen is the director of innovation and commercialization for WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences. He said stakeholders are still waiting for a report based on feedback from several focus groups testing the final five names — but they need more time.

The patent on the apple itself, a cross between a Honeycrisp and a Pink Lady apple, is fully complete, Tamsen said. 

“The trademark of the name of the apple, which will live on beyond the expiration of the fruit patent, depends on the final selection,” he said. 

When the patent for Cosmic Crisp, WSU’s latest apple, finally expires, other people will be able to grow the hybrid between a Honeycrisp and Enterprise apple. 

But the name Cosmic Crisp could be trademarked indefinitely, “As long as you file a renewal every seven years and prove you’re still using it commercially,” Tamsen said. 

That’s why the naming process is so important, he said. 

“We appreciate everyone’s interest in and support for WSU’s newest apple,” Tamsen said. “We look forward to announcing the name before the end of the year.”

Growers interested in producing the new apple, WA 64, don’t have to wait. 

Nurseries are scaling up budwood for the new apple, and orders can be placed by contacting your local nursery.