Does Green IP mean go? Exploring acceleration under the UKIPO’s “Green Channel”

We are pleased to launch our latest report Does Green IP mean go? Exploring acceleration under the UKIPO’s “Green Channel” which examines the trends in the operation and use of the UK IPO’s Green Channel program. Led by Elizabeth Dale and Paul Dunne, the report looks at filing and acceptance rates since inception, as well as the nature of the applicants and the reasons for requesting acceleration under the program.  It also provides useful insights for those considering using the Green Channel either now or in the future.

What is UK IPO’s Green Channel?

The UK’s IPO Green Channel allows patent applicants to accelerate processing of patent applications “having an environmental benefit” upon written, reasoned request, without charging and official fee and aims to support the growing wave of green innovation within the UK.

Eleanor Maciver, Partner, Patent Attorney and Sustainability Champion at Mewburn Ellis, said:

“If there’s one thing we don’t have when it comes to taking action on climate change, it’s time, so the acceleration of patent applications through the Green Channel is of great value.

As commercial demand and ecological urgency mount, technological solutions will be instrumental to achieving international climate change goals. It is pleasing to see the UK IPOs broad requirements for acceptance have ushered in a diverse cohort of innovations with environmental benefit, whether remedying the impact our daily activities through sustainable design or more directly tackling

This is a global challenge, and the increasing number of countries offering patent application acceleration for green technologies is a vote of confidence for this approach. When compared to other global schemes, the UK IPO’s Green Channel is particularly accommodating, which has informed the wide nature of applications received. Hopefully, the future will see acceptance requirements for acceleration programs fall in other markets so that critical advancements can be implemented at speed.”

Paul Dunne, Partner and Patent Attorney at Mewburn Ellis, said:

“Securing investment and interest for green technologies can be tricky, given that they are often seeking to find a foothold in a well-established landscape. Having a patent can help to make investment more attractive, and having a patent quickly can be especially valuable, particularly for companies just starting out.

The results of our report show that the UK IPO’s Green Channel is proving of particular use to smaller UK-based companies where patents can have a big impact. Given the benefits of the scheme, we would encourage companies located elsewhere to also consider using the scheme as a means of not only obtaining protection in the UK, but also as part of a strategy to obtain faster patents for green technologies in other countries via the Patent Prosecution Highway”.

Elizabeth Dale, IP Director and Patent Attorney at Mewburn Ellis said:

“Protecting green technology is an important part of what we do at Mewburn Ellis. Anything that can assist in achieving this is to be encouraged. The UK IPO’s Green Channel is a great tool thanks to its pragmatic approach, speed and low cost with the potential for tangible advantage for innovators and intellectual property experts alike.

Despite the obvious benefits of the Green Channel, those looking to use it should approach it with care. We suggest that innovators should always seek to work alongside their patent attorney when developing an appropriate patent strategy for their portfolios.

We remain pleased to provide strategic advice to our clients who look to use the Green Channel and how it might be used to greatest effect within the context of their business needs”.