Patent Office Relaxes Rules for Green Technologies
In an effort to spur more green technology innovation and business development, the USPTO has decided to alter the application process for green technology related patents. The initiative is a part Green Technology Pilot Program that allows a fast-track process for patents relating to green technology. Under the pilot program, inventions related to green technology include:
- discoveries related to renewable energy
- more efficient use of energy resources
- a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
The average review time for green technology patents is 30 months. The USPTO hopes to shorten that time frame and examine over 3,000 patents in the first year. So far, under the Green Technology Pilot Program there have been over 950 requests for accelerated review and only 342 requests granted. These new rules are aimed to alleviate that problem.
