Report Shows Upswing in Patent Requests for Green Inventions

Greater demand for green solutions from the forestry, mining and oil industries are causing a boom in “green” patents.

The demand for Canadian patents related to environmentally friendly and/or energy-conserving technologies has picked up momentum – and is expected to increase even more in the coming years.

The International Law Report credits the growing market and competitive atmosphere for the upswing, and cites government initiatives as reasons why the number of “green” patents is expected to continue growing.

Canada’s vast hydro, wind, forestry, mining and oil industries, which make up 11.5% of the nation’s gross domestic product, are among the biggest investors in more environmentally sound technologies, and these green inventions play a large part in helping those industries find more agreeable solutions to issues that have long bothered environmentalists.

Eco-Friendly Inventions on the Rise

The Report indicates promise, with 7.5% of all patents granted in Canada now falling under the umbrella of environmentally conscious inventions. More than 9,300 patents granted in Canada have fallen into one of the International Patent Classification Green Inventory classifications, and the variety of patents includes everything from energy extraction from waste to improving traditional wind and solar technologies.

To help accelerate the process, the Canadian government has worked with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) to fast-track patent requests. CIPO expedite the examination of applications if the applicant files a declaration stating that the request “relates to technology the commercialization of which would help to resolve or mitigate environmental impacts or to conserve the natural environment and resources.”

As a result, it takes 68% less time for these applications to be granted than others.

College Programs in Green Technology

If you’re interested in green technology, here are some of the colleges that offer programs:

• Seneca College (Green Business Management)
• Algonquin College (Green Architecture)
• Fleming College (Environmental Technician)
• Niagara College (Environmental Management and Assessment)
• Camosun College (Diploma in Environmental Technology)