January 8, 2010
Clean Energy Patents Continue Growth Spike
The third quarter of 2009 saw the most-ever clean energy patent applications, according to the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index.
The big leader is in the fuel cell field, which saw nearly 160 patents applied for in the third quarter.
Patents for solar energy, specifically, have been up and down, however (see chart below).
With just over 30 solar patents applied for in Q3 2009, the rate has fallen dramatically since quarterly peaks in excess of 50 patents in 2002 and 2003, according to the index, which is compiled by the Cleantech Group and Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti PC.
While the number of cleantech patents may be on the rise, the sector has seen waning interest from investors.
Venture capital investments in green technology companies declined by 33 percent from $8.5 billion in 2008 to $5.6 billion in 2009.
For previous coverage of clean tech patents by Environmental Leader, click here and here.
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Reader Comments
It is great to see more investment in clean energy. Hopefully this can lead to more and cheaper sources in the future.
Green Colored Glasses | January 8th, 2010
As subsidies and feed-in tariffs increase, I think we will see a rise in solar and other renewable technology patents in 2010. Germany is already leading the way and if the US wants to have an impact in the solar market, now is the time for the government to fund companies who are developing these new products.
Matt Courtland of A Sustainable Life | January 11th, 2010