Initiative #4: Green Technology Patent Applications

Provide accelerated examination of patent applications for innovations related to environmentally friendly and energy conservation technologies.

Other Information:

Overview: The Green Technology Pilot Program provides accelerated examination of patent applications for innovations related to environmentally friendly and energy conservation technologies. Since the pilot program began in December 2009, a total of 2,407 petitions have been granted to green technology patent applicants, and 470 patents have been issued. Program statistics show that program participants can obtain a patent more quickly as compared to the standard examination process. Currently, the average time between the approval of a green technology petition and the first action on an application is just 64 days. In several cases, patent applications in the green technology program have been issued within a year of the filing date. Earlier patenting of these technologies can help inventors to secure funding, create jobs, and bring vital green technologies to market much sooner. Challenges: Patent applications are normally taken up for examination in the order they are filed. Under the extended pilot program, for the first 3,000 applications filed on or before Dec. 31, 2011, in which a grantable petition for special status is filed, the agency will expedite examination. To be included in the program, petitions for expedited processing of an application must meet several requirements, including that they be filed electronically, they must be directed to a single invention, and must state how the invention materially enhances the quality of the environment. Featured Actions: Since its inception in December 2009, the program has been expanded in response to stakeholder feedback to eliminate requirements that limited the scope of eligible technology to certain US Patent Classifications. In November 2010, the program was extended to run until December 31, 2011, or until 3,000 petitions are granted.

Stakeholder(s):

• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office


• Applicants Seeking Patents in Environmental Quality: Key Customer Groups: Applicants seeking patents in environmental quality, energy conservation, the development of renewable energy, or the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.


• Applicants Seeking Patents in Energy Conservation


• Applicants Seeking Patents in the Development of Renewable Energy


• Applicants Seeking Patents in the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Objective(s):

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