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Patent applications for inventions that benefit the environment qualify for special treatment. Because of the urgent need for green innovations that address our growing energy needs and the dangers of greenhouse gas emissions, green applications can be examined and patented sooner. The goal is to encourage environmentally beneficial innovation by accelerating the granting of green patents, which in turn increases the value of those inventions.

Most patent applications languish in a queue at the patent office for years after they are filed. However green technology patent applications can made special, and skip the queue entirely. Being made special means that applications are examined soon after they are filed. Other patent applications must wait two to four years before they receive a first action. This delay diminishes the value of a patent because the inventor is unable to protect her invention while it waits to be examined. In addition, competitors may begin practicing the invention and learn implementation strategies that will allow them to move beyond the invention.

In contrast, the average wait from filing to first action for green technology patent applications is 49 days. This is almost immediate. As a result, green technology patents may be examined years earlier than other applications.

Early examination is a significant benefit, particularly for inventions on the cutting edge of science. Patent examiners often request additional test data and disclosures before allowing truly revolutionary patents. With early examination, these deficiencies can be corrected quickly through a continuation-in-part filing that will have almost the same filing date as the original application.

Earlier examination typically also results in earlier allowance, giving inventors extra years of protection for their inventions. These extra years are extremely valuable. The extra years of protection come early in a patent's life when the technology is most attractive. Early life patents are more easily licensed and sold because they have much longer useful lives. And the increased value of an early patent is often an advantage in raising money because investors know the technology is already protected. Being made special and early allowance greatly increase the value of a patent.

The green technology patents are broadly defined as inventions relating to (1) the development of a renewable energy source or energy conservation or (2) the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Most green technologies will qualify. For example, an energy saving technology for consumer products, automobiles, industrial processes, or infrastructure products can take advantage of accelerated examination. 特許事務所の転職なら