Patents on »Green Technology« – Part of the problem or part of the solution?
In order to achieve the (non-binding) targets of the 2009 UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen, according to which global warming should be reduced to below two degrees Celsius compared to the »pre-industrial level«, it is not only necessary to develop more »Green Technologies«, but also to make these technologies available, particularly for the developing countries.
In this context it is disputed whether patent protection, which is generally recognized as fostering innovation, is helpful in, or a hindrance towards, achieving these goals. Many experts consider patent protection to be supporting research and innovation in the field of »Green Technology«; others fear that patent protection might hinder the technology transfer to developing countries and seek measures such as »compulsory licenses« to deal with the problem.
It is, however, already questionable whether patents play a role in the required technology transfer process at all, and if yes, which role. In order to understand this issue it is necessary to take a closer look at the principles of innovation processes and their implementation in »Green Technologies«.
This conference shall provide an open forum to discuss the related issues. As a result we expect a better understanding of the principles of patent protection in conjunction with the transfer of »Green Technologies« to developing countries.