Patent pending does not always mean it is a hybrid when it comes to seeds. Many seeds sold for plants that come true from seed are sold patent pending or PVP. These varieties are being protected from resale. IE I buy a plant and collect seed, I can't sell those seeds and/or plants from the saved seed, because the patent holder would get no royalty. So only authorized sellers who are giving money to the breeder can sell. When a hybrid seed is sold from the breeder, no patent is needed because if you grow seed from the hybrid, the breeder need not worry. Your babies will not be like the parent(though sometimes they can be similar.)
I hope that all made sense,
Remy
