Clean Energy Patent Growth Index

CLEAN ENERGY PATENT GROWTH INDEX 3rd Quarter 2013

The CLEAN ENERGY PATENT GROWTH INDEX (CEPGI), published quarterly by the Cleantech Group at Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C. provides an indication of the trend of innovative activity in the Clean Energy sector from 2002 to the present. Results from the third quarter of 2013 reveal the CEPGI to have a value of 757 granted U.S. patents which is 8 lower than the previous quarter and 41 lower than one year prior. GM was granted the highest number of clean energy patents for the third quarter, taking the quarterly lead back from Toyota. Solar patents again led the other technology sectors for the second quarter in a row after topping Fuel Cell patents for the first time the previous quarter.

Industry Spotlight: Cleantech: Are Fuel cells Set to Explode on the Scene? . . . No, Really This Time . . .

Whispers about fuel cells are generating increasing buzz which appears about to roar. A new way to produce hydrogen cheaply, longtime fuel cell maker about to make a profit, and automakers ready to produce fuel cell cars as more than an experiment - does this add up to a breakthrough? And who owns the IP in this area?

Read more on our HRFM Today blog.

Colorado - Shining Brightly in Clean Energy - Patents Double in 2012

Many states increased their clean energy patent production from 2011 to 2012. For instance, according to the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index (CEPGI), California increased its clean energy patents by almost 25% to 345 and Michigan increased its patents by almost 10% to 202. One remarkable increase was seen in Colorado, where the number of clean energy patents doubled in 2012 to 43. While still only sixth on the list of US States in 2012, this is a very positive result and outlook for the future of Colorado clean energy patent assignees.

Michigan - Fueling Clean Energy Patents - Auto Companies Drive Trend

While California led the states in most clean energy patents in 2012, Michigan was not too far behind. According to the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index (CEPGI), California was the leader in clean energy patents per state in 2012 with 346 patents, but in third place was the Great Lakes State with 202 patents. Michigan’s 202 patents were just enough to make it the leader in clean energy patents overall in the US over the last decade. The 202 patents were also 100 more than Texas who came in at fourth place in 2012. Other top Clean Energy patent states:

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CLEAN ENERGY PATENT GROWTH INDEX 2nd Quarter 2013

The CLEAN ENERGY PATENT GROWTH INDEX (CEPGI), published quarterly by the Cleantech Group at Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C. provides an indication of the trend of innovative activity in the Clean Energy sector from 2002 to the present. Results from the second quarter of 2013 reveal the CEPGI to have a value of 765 granted U.S. patents which is up 27 relative to the first quarter total of 738, but is down 21 relative to the quarter from one year prior. Toyota was granted the highest number of clean energy patents for the second quarter. Solar patents for the first time topped Fuel Cell patents to take the quarterly lead among technology sectors — by 37 patents.

3M Steps Up R&D in Clean Energy

 The 3M Company is known for the variety of everyday products it has brought to the market, such as Scotch tape and Ace bandages.  However, when we think of 3M we generally don't think of Cleantech R&D or Clean Energy patents.

California - A Bear in Clean Energy Patents

 In 2012, California was not only the state with the greatest population; it was also the state with the most clean energy patents. According to the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index (CEPGI), California was the leader in clean energy patents per state in 2012 with 346 patents, beating out second place New York by over 100 patents. Other top Clean Energy patent states:

CLEAN ENERGY PATENT GROWTH INDEX 1st Quarter 2013

The CLEAN ENERGY PATENT GROWTH INDEX (CEPGI), published quarterly by the Cleantech Group at Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C. provides an indication of the trend of innovative activity in the Clean Energy sector from 2002 to the present. Results from the first quarter of 2013 reveal the CEPGI to have a value of 738 granted U.S. patents which is down 45 relative to the fourth quarter total of 783, but is up 44 over the quarter from one year prior. GM was granted the highest number of clean energy patents for the first quarter.

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IBM Obtains Patents . . . in Clean Energy

Well known for being a computer pioneer, surprisingly to the casual observer IBM has made strides in another upcoming industry . . . Cleantech. 

One of IBM's top executives was recently named a top ten cleantech leader in New York by Breaking Energy.  In the innovation area, New York was second only to California among state leaders in clean energy patents in 2012 (see here for New York clean energy patent leaders).

Key Wind Players also Key Patent Owners?

Wind Installations continued to grow in 2012 while investments in R & D for wind energy have resulted in technological advances in the last few years including those related to large off shore turbines, new vessels for installing off shore machines, and new ways to transport large blades on dry land according to Renewable Energy World here.  Further innovations have occurred in both low and high speed turbines, and technologies that reduce operations and maintenance costs, among other technologies as described.