WIPO Magazine has published the article Climate Change: Hot Property – IP Strategies in the Solar Tech Sector. The article discusses how patents helped Spanish solar company ISOFOTON commercialise and bring its technology to the market.
Key points from the article include:
- Intellectual property (IP) is central to Isofoton’s business and R&D strategies
- Companies should as far as possible generate their own IP so as to be independent from the competition in generating new technology and ahead of competition in the applications market
- Licencing in technology can be very useful
- Ensure 100% access, or preferably ownership, from all IP generated from joint ventures
- Try to negotiate using your IP, especially patents, rather than entering a full blown dispute
An installation of Isofoton solar panels
The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has made noises suggesting the promotion of Climate Change Mitigation Technologies by the patent systems is becoming a primary goal. WIPO will discuss the associated challenges and issues at its Conference on Intellectual Property and Global Challenges on 13-14 July. The conference will serve as a global forum for discussion of some of the major challenges in relation to IP the world faces today. I’d be keen to hear from you if you are planning to attend this conference.