

On December 8, 2009, the USPTO launched a pilot program to accelerate the review of green technology patent applications. Patent applications are examined in order by filing date. The Green Technology Pilot Program was implemented to take those patent applications that pertained to environmental quality, energy conservation, development of renewable energy or greenhouse gas emission reduction and advance those applications to the front of the line for expedited examination.
Since the pilot was launched and published in the Federal Register, there have been two modifications to the program. The first eliminated the classification requirement and was published in the Federal Register on May 21, 2010. The second was published in the Federal Register on October 15, 2010, and expanded and extended the program to include applications filed, until either 3,000 petitions are granted or the deadline of December 31, 2011, for participation is reached,
Since it’s inception, the USPTO has granted over 1,6oo petitions for participation in the green technology pilot program and issued nearly 300 patents in fields pertaining to green technologies. There is a green petition report summaryavailable on our website for future updates.
For your information, here is a summary of the requirements for participation in the green technology pilot program. This information can also be found on USPTO form PTO/SB/0420. Detailed information is available on uspto.gov.
Continuing its commitment to green technologies, the USPTO held its first ever Cleantech Customer Partnership meeting in April at the agency’s Alexandria, Va., headquarters. The event brought clean technology stakeholders together to share ideas, experiences and insights. It also provided a forum for discussion on how the USPTO can improve and expand its clean technology programs.
Speaking at the session USPTO Director David Kappos noted that, “Green technology innovations can help us protect our environment and improve our planet, and every day that an important new clean tech innovation is held back from the market represents a lost opportunity to create 21st century jobs and businesses. The feedback clean tech stakeholders provide is essential in our efforts to continuously improve the quality of our programs and services.”
Clean technology includes products and services that improve operational performance, productivity or efficiency while reducing costs, inputs, energy consumption, waste or pollution. Alternative energy sources, water and gas purification and soil remediation, as well as other technologies centered on increasing energy efficiency and non-toxic production also incorporate clean technology.
Leading industry experts attending the meeting provided an overview of the clean technology landscape. They addressed the importance of regional accelerators, gave an update on clean technology patents, and highlighted the benefits of the USPTO’s Green Technology Pilot Program.
The USPTO gives you useful information and non-legal advice in the areas of patents and trademarks. The patent and trademark statutes and regulations should be consulted before attempting to apply for a patent or register a trademark. These laws and the application process can be complicated. If you have intellectual property that could be patented or registered as a trademark, the use of an attorney or agent who is qualified to represent you in the USPTO is advised.