Green Channel for patent applications

The Green Channel for patent applications was introduced on 12 May 2009. This service allows applicants to request accelerated processing of their patent application if the invention has an environmental benefit.

The applicant must make a request in writing, indicating:

1. How their application is environmentally-friendly; and

2. Which actions they wish to accelerate:-search, examination, combined search and examination, and/or publication.

The service is available to patent applicants who make a reasonable assertion that the invention has some environmental benefit. The IPO will not conduct any detailed investigation into these assertions, but will refuse requests if they are clearly unfounded, for example if the application relates to a perpetual motion machine. Applications will only be accelerated when requested by the applicant.

This service may be requested in relation to applications filed prior to 12 May 2009 as well as in relation to those filed after this date. The written request can be made electronically as a covering letter using the Office's online patent filing services, or can be posted to the IPO. The request can be made at the same time as filing the application, or can be made on a later date, quoting the application number.