New fast-track “Green Channel” for certain UK patents
Patent applicants who can demonstrate their invention relates to ‘green’ or environmentally-friendly technology can now take advantage of a new fast-track “Green Channel” when applying for a UK patent. The Intellectual Property Office (“IPO”) has indicated that patent applications made via the “Green Channel” could be granted in only nine months – less than half the current average processing time of two to three years.
Previously, where an applicant wished to have their patent application accelerated through the “Search” and “Examination” stages for any reason, they were obliged to demonstrate to the IPO why such acceleration was important. Now, where the applicant can make a reasonable assertion that the invention has some environmental benefit, the applicant can request the “Search” and/or “Examination” stages be accelerated without any further justification.
The new initiative, which forms part of the Government’s broader programme of measures to tackle climate change, has immediate effect and will be open to existing as well as new applications. To take advantage of the “Green Channel” an applicant must make a request to the Intellectual Property Office in writing, indicating:
- that their application relates to a ‘green’ or environmentally-friendly technology; and
- which actions they wish to accelerate: Search, Combined Search and Examination, Publication, and/or Examination.
For the full text of the IPO press release issued on 12th May 2009, please click here.
