By Renewable Energy Focus staff

Since the Intellectual Property Office’s Green Channel service offers accelerated processing for patent applications was launched in May last year, 329 green patent applications have been, or are being, fast-tracked.

On average, a green patent is granted through the Green Channel in 8 months compared with a 32 month average for standard applications.

Intellectual Property Minister, Baroness Wilcox, says: “The demand for low-carbon products is growing across the world. Putting the UK at the forefront of the green technology industry will deliver enormous benefits to this country.

“It will provide the UK with economic growth and new jobs as well as improving our environment.

“Fast-tracking green patents provides businesses with practical help in developing green technology and bringing it to the consumer as quickly as possible.”

One third of the green patent applications received so far relate to energy saving. Green Channel applications have also been made for technologies ranging from harnessing natural sources of power, such as wind wave and solar energy, to recycling and transport.