Major companies including Nokia, Pitney Bowes and Sony today have pledged to share their expertise to help the environment as part of an IBM-led initiative. The pledged portfolio, dubbed the “Eco-Patent Commons”, is available on a dedicated, public website hosted by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
Among the environmental benefits expected for pledged patents are energy conservation or improved energy or fuel efficiency, pollution prevention (source reduction, waste reduction), use of environmentally preferable materials or substances and water or materials use reduction
“The Eco-Patent Commons provides a unique and significant leadership opportunity for business to make a difference –- sharing their innovations and solutions in support of sustainable development,†said Bjorn Stigson, President of the WBCSD. “The Eco-Patent Commons also provides an opportunity for companies and other entities to identify areas of common interest and establish new relationships that can lead to further development in the patented technologies and elsewhere.â€
Membership in the Eco-Patent Commons is open to all individuals and companies pledging one or more patents. The selection and submission of each organization’s patents for pledging is at the organization’s discretion. The founding companies and the WBCSD are inviting other interested companies to become members and participate in this initiative promoting innovation and collaboration to help protect the planet.
The Eco-Patent Commons was originally proposed at IBM’s Global Innovation Outlook conference, which brings together hundreds of the world’s thought leaders from business, politics, academia, and not-for-profits to discuss business and social challenges, demonstrating the power and benefits of open, collaborative innovation models.
