The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC), and the academic technology transfer non-profit AUTM will host the Green Energy Innovation Expo May 17.

“Innovations in green energy technology are a critical component in our nation’s efforts to tackle climate change,” Kathi Vidal, under secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, said in a press release issued May 2. “We are excited to facilitate opportunities in the green energy tech community to bring those innovations to impact and market.”

The expo, to be held at USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Va., will bring together green energy technology licensors and potential licensees to network and build collaborative relationships, the release reports, and advance green energy by addressing climate change challenges.

"This no-cost event aims to provide a unique environment where licensors of federally funded green energy technologies, including green hydrogen, energy storage, and wind energy, can network and meet with potential licensees to move green energy forward," the USPTO states in the release. "Attendees can showcase their innovation portfolios in front of key industry representatives and build collaborative relationships with other organizations operating in this field. "

The Green Energy Innovation Expo is one of several USPTO initiatives in this area, the release reports. The Patents for Humanity: Green Energy is a new category in the USPTO's Patents for Humanity awards program that provides business incentives for patent applicants, holders and licensees who incorporate green energy technologies in their inventions to mitigate climate change, according to the USPTO. 

The Trademarks for Humanity Awards Program gives recognition to brand owners "who are harnessing the power of trademarks to help solve humanitarian challenges." according to the program's website. The 2023 program recognizes brand owners who improve the environment with their products or services offered or business practices used in connection with a federally registered trademark, the website states.

Additional USPTO initiatives include a work-sharing program with NOAA to advance green technology; expedited examination procedures for innovations that reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and a partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization’s WIPO GREEN program, the release reported. 

Advance registration is required to attend the Green Energy Innovation Expo, and interested parties can view the agenda and register on the USPTO website.