Applicants wishing to take advantage of fast-track schemes for accelerated processing of green technology patent applications can now see at a glance which territories this applies with the EIP green patent fast-track map.

Currently, eight patent offices worldwide have fast-track schemes, with more under consideration. The schemes aim to reduce the time taken to grant a patent application considerably, for technology that has an environmental benefit.

Neil Forsyth, head of EIP Green, said: “Getting a patent application through to grant can be a time-consuming process and in some cases can be a barrier to innovation. We have found more and more clients taking advantage of these schemes with guidance from our attorneys. EIP’s green patent fast-track map assists clients in shaping their filing strategy by highlighting which countries have introduced fast-track schemes and which countries are considering doing so.”