New data we are publishing today reveals that patent applications relating to green innovation hit a record high in 2023.

The data, obtained via Freedom of Information request, shows that patent applications made through the UK Intellectual Property Office’s (UKIPO) Green Channel have increased more than 300% since its launch. There have been more than 5,000 applications made during this time.

Introduced in 2009, the Green Channel is a free service which 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.

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

Further detail

• Green Channel patent applications increased 12% between 2022 and 2023. This compares to a 2.5% increase in applications as a whole in the same period (UKIPO).
  
  
• 327 Green Channel patents were granted in 2023, the highest number of grants since the launch of the scheme.
  
  
• The number of patents granted for applications made through the Green Channel have been on an upward trend. This is likely to continue through 2024, with the number of grants made in the year to date (H1) signalling the potential for a record year of green patent approvals.
  
  
• The ratio of patents granted to applications filed year on year has been relatively steady – averaging 57% between 2018 and 2023. This is slightly higher than the grant to application ratio for patents overall (43% in the same period), and may be indicative of a slightly improved success rate for inventions which qualify for the Green Channel.
  
  
• More than 1,000 (1,185) Green Channel requests have been made by non-UK applicants since 2009 (defined as those requests which have at least one non-UK applicant at the time of filing).

Commenting on the findings, Jonathan Hewett, partner at Lewis Silkin said:

“There has been a clear increase in patent applications made through the Green Channel, with 2023 applications being particularly high. Applications have predominantly been made by UK entities, but non-UK innovators are also choosing to use the Green Channel to protect their green inventions.

When comparing the numbers of applications to patents granted over the longer term, the data suggests there may be a slightly higher chance of a Green Channel application being approved ,-but overall the primary incentive remains speed. Getting appropriate IP protections in place can be crucial to securing investment, as well as commercialising the invention. With so much interest in green technologies, both politically and from the markets, speed to market is critical.

Importantly, the Green Channel is not only for renewable energy or waste management inventions. Any invention which has an environmental benefit is potentially suitable – ranging from battery storage, to decarbonised manufacturing or mechanical processes.

The UK was the first country to launch a fast-track scheme for green patents. The new government has already made unlocking innovation and investment in green technologies a central pledge and this may well see the Green Channel continue to increase in prominence.

Separate analysis conducted by the World Intellectual Property Office has shown that around a third of existing patent families worldwide relate to the global SDGs: put simply, innovation, successfully protected and brought to market, is essential to the clean energy transition and wider net zero adaptation. The UK’s Green Channel, and other similar fast track schemes around the world, are an important piece of this puzzle and should be high on the radar for innovators at the cutting edge of sustainability.”

Data Set

For more information on how we can support you in relation to green innovation and patent applications, please contact jonathan.hewett@lewissilkin.com.

You can read more about Lewis Silkin’s market-leading IP360 offering here.