Cleaner energy patents hit a record high in the fourth quarter of 2008, with fuel cell technology playing a prominent role, it was confirmed on Friday (13th February).

US intellectual property law firm Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti conducted a study which found that there were a total of 928 clean energy patents granted during the quarter.

Over 500 were accounted for by fuel cells, with automakers Honda (49), General Motors (48), Toyota (23) and Nissan (19) all making significant contributions to the final figure.

In addition, the research found that fuel cell companies United Technologies, Plug Power and Ballard Power Systems received 13, seven and four patents respectively.

The report showed that the number of patents has been growing steadily since the company began compiling data in 2002, punctuated by small declines in 2007 and Q1 2008.

In terms of the countries dominating applications, the US accounted for around half, while Japan (29 per cent) came in second place and Germany (eight per cent) was third.

According to the study, wind, hydroelectric, tidal and geothermal power all saw a rise in filings, while solar, biofuel, and electric and hybrid transportation patents decreased.

Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti employs more than 25 attorneys and patent agents, plus over 50 professional staff in total.

Source:

Clean Energy Patents Hit All-Time High in 4Q08 (13/02/09)
http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/clean-energy-patents-hit-all-time-high-in-4q08-5716.html