Clean tech patents enjoy record quarter

The number of clean tech-related patents granted in the US hit record levels during the first quarter of the year, according to new figures released last week, further fuelling optimism that the sector is recovering strongly from the recession.

The Clean Energy Patent Growth Index report from intellectual property law firm Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti found that 379 clean tech patents were granted in the US during the first three months of the year, representing the highest quarterly value since the index began.

The performance marked an improvement of more than 50 per cent year on year and a 12 per cent increase in patents compared to the fourth quarter of 2009.

According to the report, fuel cell technologies dominated the list, with 208 patents granted during the first quarter, while the number of patents granted to solar and hybrid and electric vehicle technologies also rose.

In contrast, the number of patents granted to wind and biofuel innovations were down slightly on the previous quarter.

Car firms dominated the list of companies applying for patents, with Honda's 29 fuel cell patents and one solar patent ensuring it took the crown for the most successful clean tech patent applications during the quarter.

GM was in close pursuit with 28 patents granted, primarily in the fuel cell field, while Samsung came third with a collection of 21 fuel cell, solar and wind energy patents.

Toyota and Ford completed the top five with 12 and 11 patents respectively.