Plant patents may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new variety of plant. There are a few specific classes of plants that, for public-policy reasons, are excluded from patent eligibility. Also, many genetically engineered agricultural inventions (e.g., sexually reproducible seeds/plants) are eligible for utility patent coverage. The term of a U.S. design patent is 14 years from the date of issuance.