UK 'Green' Inventions To Get Fast-Tracked Through Patent System

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

13 May 2009

David Lammy, the UK's Minister for Intellectual Property, has launched an initiative which will enable inventions with an environmental benefit to be given priority within the patent system.

The proposal, which forms part of the government’s broader approach on measures to tackle climate change, reflects the importance of maximizing support for inventions which could have a significant impact on combating climate change.

Mr Lammy explained:

“Climate change affects us all and any actions we take now to improve low-carbon technology has got to be positive for both the environment and our future economic competitiveness."

"We have already taken great steps forward in greener motoring, supporting the development of new vehicles and encouraging motorists to make greener choices," he added, continuing:

"This initiative builds on this by offering innovative UK businesses working in green technologies the chance to get high-quality patent rights faster than ever before. This in turn will speed up the time it takes to get products to market, benefiting both business and consumers.”

The green patents initiative will make it easier and faster for new products to reach the market. It could take only nine months to get a patent granted under this scheme, compared with the current average time of two to three years. It was also one of the key deliverables announced at the UK/China Economic and Financial Dialogue on May 11, with China already agreeing to adopt the proposal.

The UK Intellectual Property Office is working with other major trading partners to get them to sign up to the green patents fast-track system.

This initiative will take immediate effect from May 12, as no legislative changes are required.

Recommended