The Crucial Interplay Between Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Accelerating Climate Change Solutions
As we confront the threat of climate change, the intersection of science and intellectual property (IP) has never been more important.
Science provides the foundation for understanding, modeling, and predicting the shifts in our climate and the consequences of natural disasters. Scientists are constantly innovating, producing technologies that for example reduce carbon footprints, improve energy efficiency, or mitigate the impacts of natural disasters.
Simultaneously, the IP sector plays a pivotal role in protecting these efforts. They are responsible for safeguarding the rights of innovators while encouraging a culture of open-source sharing and collaboration, thereby fuelling faster, broader adoption of climate change solutions.
In 2014 Tesla opened up some of its electric vehicle (EV) patents for use in good faith. At the time, approximately 1% of the car market was for EVs. Today this market has seen a large increase with other well-known car brands producing EVs and filing for patents, many of which will include improvements on the initial Tesla patents.
Moreover, the World Intellectual Property Organization’s “Green IP Project” plays a significant role by providing a searchable database of environmentally friendly technologies available for license and also encourages accelerated examination and grant of patents related to so-called green technologies. By doing so WIPO is contributing to the broader dissemination and adoption of such technologies worldwide.
Lastly, the use of AI in predicting and managing natural disasters is another area where IP protection can spur investment and innovation.
Collectively, the scientific sector provides the solutions, and the IP sector provides the framework that turns these solutions into global, accessible strategies. Both sectors need to continue working hand-in-hand to advance and protect ideas, fostering a brighter, more sustainable future.
