“Boosting the Safeguarding of Eco-Friendly Innovations: Strategies for Rapid Progress” 

How CIPO’s Green Technologies Program can expedite obtention of patents, drive environmental impactHow CIPO’s Green Technologies Program can expedite obtention of patents, drive environmental impactBrigide Mattar and Audrey Berteau of Smart & Biggar sat down with Lexpert to draw out the highlights of their recent article, Supporting Canada’s green transition: the untapped potential of CIPO’s Green Technologies Program. Here they discuss the basics of the program, why they believe so few people have used it so far, the simplicity of the application process and why businesses should consider this program.Q: What is CIPO’s Green Technologies Program? A:  The Canadian Intellectual Property Office’s (CIPO) Green Technologies Program is a simple mechanism to fast-track a patent application related to green technologies. This program is available at no additional cost provided the patent application relates to an invention that, if commercialized, would help to resolve or mitigate environmental impacts or to conserve the natural environment or natural resources.Recent ArticlesAccelerating the protection of innovations in green technologiesBusiness Development Bank of Canada introduces data to AI program for businessesConfidence in Canadian financial stability on the up: surveyQ: What barriers have limited participation in the program so far? A: We can only speculate at the reasons for the limited participation however lack of awareness of the existence of the program itself as well as a misunderstanding of the types of technology that would qualify under the program are likely to have played a role.   Even the program’s name “CIPO’s Green Technologies Program” suggests that it may only be available to innovations related to traditionally green technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, carbon capture and the likes. However, the program’s scope is much greater and is available for any technology that, if commercialized, has the potential to mitigate environmental impacts and/or conserve natural resources. The types of innovations that align with the program’s broader goals span a very wide range of industries that may not necessarily fit the traditional definition of “green technologies”.Q: What steps should an innovator take to qualify for the program?A: The procedure to qualify for this program is simple. Once an eligible application is identified, an applicant must simply submit a letter to the Patent Office that includes (1) a request for advanced examination and (2) a statement indicating that the patent application relates to technology that, if commercialized, would help to resolve or mitigate environmental impacts or to conserve the natural environment or natural resources.  It is important for the applicant to ensure that the statement can legitimately be made since the Patent Office will simply grant the request and will not verify if the statement is justified.Q: Why should businesses consider integrating this program into their IP strategy?A: By leveraging the program, businesses can be granted patents