Patent Office Implements Pilot Program for Green Technologies

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has launched a twelve-month pilot program to accelerate the processing of certain environmentally friendly patent applications. The initiative was announced on December 7, 2009 and coincided with the first day of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.

Under the program, the first 3,000 applications related to "green" technologies will be examined on a priority basis. The applications must pertain to environmental quality, energy conservation, development of renewable energy resources, or greenhouse gas emission reduction.

Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO David Kappos praised the program, saying, "Every day an important green tech innovation is hindered from coming to market is another day we harm our planet and another day lost in creating green businesses and green jobs. Applications in this pilot program will see a significant savings in pendency, which will help bring green innovations to market more quickly." If successful, the program may be continued or expanded.

For more information, read the USPTO Press Release.