Patent Trends for Alternative Energy Technologies
When I was a graduate student, two of the biggest areas of research in our department were quantum computing and nuclear fusion. At the time, they were both “pie in the sky” technologies with very distant and uncertain commercial prospects — it was kind of a running joke that our work was more likely to appear in science fiction than a business plan.
That changed quickly for quantum computing several years ago, when commercial prospects skyrocketed. And now, nuclear fusion might be crossing a similar threshold.
In December 2022, nuclear fusion research started grabbing headlines with major breakthroughs, heralding a “new era” for the technology. It started when the National Ignition Facility became the first lab to produce a fusion reaction that generated more energy than it consumed, a milestone known as “ignition”. Over the last year, they’ve been able to replicate that result several times.
Since nuclear fusion could be the next great energy frontier, we decided to write a blog post on the current state of nuclear fusion, looking at patent filing trends and opportunities in this growing field of research and investment. This is part of our series of blog posts exploring patent trends and recent developments for various types of alternative energy.
Below you’ll find links to our posts on solar, geothermal, and wind energy. There’s a lot of innovation happening in all these areas, and we’re excited to see our clients working on high-impact developments in these and other rapidly advancing technologies.
Solar Power: Recent Growth and Innovation
Solar power is a significant source of renewable energy that continues to grow. Thanks to increasing innovation and decreasing costs, global solar capacity has doubled from 2018 to 2021. According to a recent article in NatureCommunications, solar power is currently on track to become the world’s dominant source of power by 2050.
If you’re innovating in the solar industry, patents will be a primary tool for protecting your IP. However, developing a patent portfolio is a big investment, and it’s important to understand what technology solar power encompasses and what the current state of the art is. In a recent blog post, we discuss ongoing work and advancements in solar technologies.
Geothermal Energy: Patent Trends and Strategies
Geothermal energy is experiencing a bit of a renaissance. Once undervalued as a viable way of generating energy at commercial levels, geothermal is now seeing revived industry interest thanks to recent technological breakthroughs. The U.S. Department of Energy is currently projecting significant growth in geothermal energy contributions to the country’s electricity generation.
If you’re investing in geothermal, you’re likely also considering strategies for protecting your intellectual property — including seeking patent protection. In a recent blog post, my colleague Sam Udovich explores geothermal technologies, what’s patentable within the field, and what the current patent landscape looks like.
Wind Energy: Navigating Patents and Partnerships
Wind energy is also on the rise. Patent filings for wind technology, specifically, have grown significantly over the past few decades, drawing attention from investors, researchers, and innovators across the globe.
As the sector continues to accelerate, questions arise about patent considerations and the strategic partnerships needed to fuel innovation. In another recent blog, my colleague Sam Udovich explores the trends shaping the industry, the advantages and disadvantages of various patent filing methods, and aspects to consider when collaborating with research and development (R&D) entities.
Michael K. Henry, Ph.D.
Michael K. Henry, Ph.D., is a principal and the firm’s founding member. He specializes in creating comprehensive, growth-oriented IP strategies for early-stage tech companies.