Commerce Department Speeds Green Patents

The U.S. Commerce Department announced that its U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will pilot a year-long program to accelerate the examination of certain "green" technology patent applications by as much as one year. The new initiative is designed to speed the development and deployment of green technology, create green jobs, and promote U.S. competitiveness. In particular, the program focuses on patents for renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, plus other environmental technologies. . Earlier patenting of these technologies enables inventors to secure funding, create businesses, and bring vital green technologies into use much sooner.

Petitions are currently being accepted, and the program will accept petitions through December 8, 2010. If the trial is successful, the USPTO will consider ways to expand the initiative.

Contact Terry Jensen at 972 251-1532 or 817 545-0140 for more information.