With a UK patent application typically taking 4 – 5 years to reach grant, the patent process can seem like a very slow beast indeed.
If your invention has green credentials there is an option that may allow you to speed the process along a little.
UK IPO Green Channel
If your invention has some environmental benefit, applicants can make a written submission to the IPO requesting accelerated processing of their application.
The Green Channel option is not only available to the more obvious green inventions, such as solar panels or wind turbines – any invention that can reasonably be claimed to have an environmental benefit may be eligible.
What does it cost?
Nothing! There is no fee for using the Green Channel.
How do I it do it?
Requests must be made in writing by the applicant with details of:
- How their application is environmentally-friendly.
- Which actions they wish to accelerate:-search, examination, combined search and examination, and/or publication.
If you think your invention might qualify and would like advice on how to write the application letter please contact us at sandco@sandersons.co.uk.
For more information go to https://www.gov.uk/patents-accelerated-processing.
