EMW noted that green’ energy patents filings increased over the last five years. Credit: Grzegorz Górniak on Unsplash.

UK-based commercial law firm EMW has noted that the patents filed for solar power, wind energy, biofuels, hydropower, geothermal energy and waste-generated energy have nearly doubled over the last five years.

The law firm explained that more than 14,800 renewable energy patents were filed globally last year, an increase of 43% in comparison to the previous year’s figure of 10,500.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

EMW principal James Geary said: “The rising profitability of ‘green’ energy has prompted many companies to invest in developing and patenting filings as innovation races ahead.

"Currently, China is said to be the biggest manufacturer of solar panel technology and invested more than $44bn in clean-energy projects last year."

“International efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions by focusing on renewables has continued to grow. China, for example, set emissions limits in 2017 for power companies’ use of fossil fuels, as part of efforts to slow down their consumption of coal, gas and oil.”

According to the law firm, the renewable energy industry is becoming more lucrative and is now less reliant on government subsidies.

Chinese companies are reported to have topped the renewable energy patents filings list last year with 76% (11,300), while the US-based companies occupied second place with 10% (1,500) filings.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Of all the ‘green’ energy patents filed last year, 56% were for solar power.

Currently, China is said to be the biggest manufacturer of solar panel technology and invested more than $44bn in clean-energy projects last year.

Geary further noted: “However, there are concerns that the US could see a drop in patenting ‘green’ products as the Trump administration looks to cut government research spending in the industry.

“The slight rise may also be in part due to concerns about the effect that Brexit may have on the proposed European Unitary Patent system.

“Some businesses may be racing to patent products, to avoid potential difficulties in obtaining patents in EU countries become more difficult than is currently the case.”