The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office said it’s amending a program to reduce by 12 months the processing time for inventions intended to improve the environment and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
The changes, mainly a broadening of the criteria for participation, may speed up reviews for as many as 3,000 applications related to technology that promotes renewable energy and conservation, according to a draft of the regulations sent by the agency. The rules are scheduled to be published in the Federal Register and would take effect immediately.
The patent office is altering the program because too many applications tied to clean-energy were being turned away from participation. Almost 60 percent of the 951 petitions for the expedited process were dismissed or denied partly because the patent office was using narrow categories, according to the agency.
Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced the original plan in December, saying the U.S. needs to promote investment in green technologies to compete more effectively against countries including China and India.
Nine patents have been issued under the program, which lets applications move the top of the line for review. One patent, issued to Skyline Solar Inc., is for improved solar arrays used in the industrial, government and utility markets.
Courtesy: www.businessweek.com