Corporations Go Public With Eco Friendly Patents

Members of the corporate community have come together in an effort to help the environment, unleashing dozens of innovative, environmentally-responsible patents to the public domain.

Availability of these patents will encourage researchers, entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes in any industry to create, apply, and further develop their consumer or industrial products, processes, and services in a way that will help to protect and respect the environment.

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and IBM are initiating this effort in partnership with Nokia, Pitney Bowes and Sony. The pledged portfolio, dubbed the "Eco-Patent Commons," is available on a dedicated, public Web site hosted by the WBCSD.

"IBM, as the leader in US patents for 15 consecutive years with 3,125 patents issued in 2007, is excited to bring its patent resources to bear to help protect the environment," said Dr. Daniel Dias, Director, IBM India Research Laboratory. "Innovation to address environmental issues calls for both the application of technology as well as new models for sharing intellectual property. We strongly urge other companies to contribute to the Eco-Patent Commons. Such a free exchange of valuable intellectual property will accelerate work on the next level of environmental challenges."

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Patents pledged to the Eco-Patent Commons feature innovations focused on environmental matters and innovations in manufacturing or business processes where the solution provides an environmental benefit. For example, a company may pledge a patent for a manufacturing process that reduces hazardous waste generation, or energy or water consumption. A pledged patent covering a procurement or logistics solution may reduce fuel consumption.

Examples of the environmental benefits expected for pledged patents include; Energy conservation or improved energy or fuel efficiency; Pollution prevention (source reduction, waste reduction); Use of environmentally preferable materials or substances; Water or materials use reduction ; And Increased recycling opportunity

"The Eco-Patent Commons provides a unique and significant leadership opportunity for business to make a difference, sharing their innovations and solutions in support of sustainable development," said Bjorn Stigson, president of the WBCSD. "The Eco-Patent Commons also provides an opportunity for companies and other entities to identify areas of common interest and establish new relationships that can lead to further development in the patented technologies and elsewhere."

Membership in the Eco-Patent Commons is open to all individuals and companies pledging one or more

patents.