Free advanced examination for green patent apps
The Commissioner is planning to eliminate a $500 fee charged to applicants of “green” inventions to have their applications examined ahead of schedule, according to an item and consultation proposal posted on the CIPO web page.
The proposal notes that:
“No additional fee would be required for advancing the examination of patent applications related to green technologies. In order to be granted access to the expedited examination service for green technologies, a patent applicant would submit a declaration stating that their application relates to technology which could help to resolve or mitigate environmental impacts or conserve the natural environment and resources if commercialized.”
The proposal to offer free advanced examination for green patent apps matches the efforts of a pilot project of the United States Patent and Trademark Office announced in December 2009.
