Led by IBM, the leader in US patents for 15 consecutive years, top companies are unleashing eco-friendly technology patents into the public domain.

Communications company Nokia has already pledged to “donate” its patent covering recycling cell phones into new electronic devices such as clocks, calculators, and remote controls. And more corporate patent “donations” are sure to follow as environmental awareness has reached the patent world.

Spearheaded by IBM, Nokia, Pitney Bowes and Sony, a new initiative called Eco-Patents Commons will enable leading members of the corporate community to come together in a first-of-its-kind effort to help the environment, making dozens of innovative, environmentally responsible patents freely available to the public. The four companies are “seeding the fund” with about thirty patents that cover everything from a manufacturing process that reduces volatile compounds to a natural coagulant used to purify industrial waste water.

According to a press release from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), a Geneva-based organization which will administer the patent commons, the aim is to 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 Eco-Patent Commons was originally proposed at IBM's Global Innovation Outlook conference, which brings together hundreds of the world's thought leaders from business, politics, academia, and not-for-profits to discuss business and social challenges, demonstrating the power and benefits of open, collaborative innovation models.

Patents pledged to the Eco-Patent Commons -- originally proposed at IBM's Global Innovation Outlook conference -- 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

·         Increased recycling opportunity

According to Bjorn Stigson, President of the WBCSD, “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…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.”

Dr. John E. Kelly III, IBM Senior Vice President and Director of IBM Research, added, “Innovation to address environmental issues will require both the application of technology as well as new models for sharing intellectual property among companies in different industries. As the leader in US patents for 15 consecutive years, with 3,125 patents issued in 2007, IBM is excited to bring its patent resources to bear in service of the environment. In addition to enabling new players to engage in protecting the environment, the free exchange of valuable intellectual property will accelerate work on the next level of environmental challenges. We strongly urge other companies to contribute to the Eco-Patent Commons.”

What’s in it for me? According to Dave Kappos, IBM's lead patent attorney, "There's no reason that environmentally sustainable activity cannot be commercially advantageous.The patents come out of the IT industry--at least ours do--but there is cross-industry applicability." In fact, IBM, which has a program called Big Green Innovations, hopes to encourage innovation in areas of ecology and benefit commercially through the venture.

Also, let’s face it: It is difficult to establish intellectual property licensing agreements across industries. Except for IT, where cross-licensing agreements are commonplace, in other fields intellectual property tends to be hoarded, Kappos said. Participants who submit patents into the Eco-Patents Commons benefit from the commons by being able to use other companies' patents. They also benefit from further innovations or cost reductions on their donations.

Last but not least, as vendors and consumers are moving toward more energy-efficient products and other green technologies, many industries, specially the electronics sector, remain mired in energy-intensive manufacturing that involves harmful chemicals and electronic waste. IBM and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development said they hope to attract innovations and address energy conservation, pollution prevention, better materials, recycling, and more efficient use of water.

What are the implications for patent users? The Eco-Patent Commons will provide free access to patents that can be leveraged by others to improve the environmental aspects of their operations. The information will be readily available in one easily accessible place. Lastly, the Commons will provide an avenue by which those who are facing a challenge that may have environmental impact can connect with those who already have had success in meeting that challenge.

Membership in the Eco-Patent Commons is open to all individuals and companies pledging one or more patents. The selection and submission of each organization’s patents for pledging is at the organization's discretion. The founding companies and the WBCSD are inviting other interested companies to become members and participate in this initiative promoting innovation and collaboration to help protect the planet.