Green Energy Technology Patents Reach Record Highs in 2009 – By Guest Blogger Kathy – Continued

As noted yesterday, the annual report of the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index (CEPGI), published quarterly, confirms that 2009 was a record year for green tech.

Automobile companies dominated the top clean energy patent holders; big auto holds five of the top ten spots, with Honda, GM and Toyota in the lead. Honda leads in hybrid/electric vehicle patents.

A few other companies of note:

 GE holds twice the number of patents over its wind competitors.
 Canon was and remains the solar photovoltaic leader.
 The CEPGI index report noted that Panasonic had 29 clean tech patents in 2009 but only six in the prior year – 2009 was an active year for the company.
 Bloom Energy had 8 fuel cell patents in 2009, none in 2008 but four in previous years.
 Tesla had 4 hybrid/electric vehicle patents in 2009, their first since the CEPGI index started tracking in 2002.

As far as academia is concerned, the University of California remains in the lead for patents since 2002 with California Institute of Technology second. The University of Florida gained three in 2009.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) Fast-tracking Green Tech in 2010

The PTO announced a pilot program open from December 8th, 2009 through December 8th, 2010 that is designed to expedite the patent process for clean tech projects; the process normally takes 30 to 40 months, but the fast-track process could shave off a great deal of time. This pilot program was announced by energy Secretary Steven Chu and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, and the first 3,000 patent petitions will eligible.

Chu and Locke support the idea that American innovation and competitiveness are key. “Every day an important green tech innovation is hindered from coming to market is another day we harm our planet and another day lost in creating green businesses and green jobs,” Secretary Locke said. (Green Tech. “Patent Office Puts Green Tech on Fast Track,” by Martin LaMonica. December 8, 2009).

What Does This All Mean?

The increase in patents shows that renewable energy technology is creating force in the right direction. Governmental support with the fast-track process cuts through some red tape for innovators. This bodes well for everyone, as long as research and development monies continue and as long as new governmental policies don’t squash this critical momentum.