Lane E.L.
Luce Forward / Green Patent Blog, US
Keywords: clean technology, gasification, geothermal, green brands, obviousness, patent, solar, trademark, wind
I. From PV manufacturing to geothermal drilling and from gasification to wind turbines, many of the most successful clean energy technologies were previously developed in other industries and only later adapted to for use in the clean technology boom. While these arguably are valuable innovations in themselves and may be worthy of patent protection, patenting such new uses of known processes poses a challenge because of certain recent developments in patent law. Part I of this presentation discusses some patent drafting and prosecution strategies for companies applying existing technologies to new clean energy uses that may wish to seek patent protection for these new applications. II. How do businesses protect their green brands? The use of eco-marks – trademarks, service marks and certification marks that communicate environmentally-friendly products or services – is one important way. Part II of this presentation discusses strategies for obtaining federal registration for eco-marks, including thoughts on how to overcome and work around descriptiveness problems, discussion of certification marks, and cautionary words about “greenwashing.”
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: Technical Proceedings of the 2009 Clean Technology Conference and Trade Show
Published: May 3, 2009
Pages: 363 - 365
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Sustainable Materials
ISBN: 978-1-4398-1787-2