On March 29th, 2011, the Public Patent Foundation (PUBPAT) filed a complaint on behalf of organic farmers, seed businesses, and organic agricultural organizations seeking to invalidate Monsanto’s patents on genetically modified seeds. One of the primary concerns of organic farmers regarding GM seeds has always been the threat of contamination – “Coexistence between transgenic seed [...]
Archive for the ‘Patents and Innovation’ Category
31 Mar
Canada’s IP Office Follows US Lead on “Green” Patents
Similar to changes made by the Green Technology Pilot Program, which was launched by the USPTO in late 2009, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office recently announced the approval of amendments expediting “the prosecution of an application when the invention is related to green technology.” In line with “the Government’s priorities on science and technology, supporting the [...]
8 Oct
The Leaf Blows In
Excitement is rising around the Nissan Leaf, America’s first major commercial electric car. An article in yesterday’s New York Times states that so far, 20,000 people have reserved a Leaf at their local dealerships; the vehicle will be available as early as December here in Washington, along with Oregon, California, Arizona, and Tennessee. The limited [...]
5 Oct
Green ideas get a boost from USPTO’s Green Technology Pilot Program
December 8, 2010, will mark the one-year anniversary of the USPTO’s Green Technology Pilot Program. The twelve month mark also signals the end of the program (barring any extensions by the USPTO) implemented to “accelerate the development and deployment of green technology, create green jobs, and promote U.S. competitiveness in this vital sector,” according to [...]
