As New Zealand continues to embrace a greener future, the intersection of cleantech and intellectual property (IP) law is becoming increasingly important for organisations both locally and internationally. New Zealand is seeing continued growth in several emerging industries such as agritech and renewable energy with a focus on environmental impacts.
The rise of CleanTech
New Zealand has witnessed a surge in innovations aimed at addressing environmental challenges since 2010. From advancements in renewable energy technologies to breakthroughs in sustainable agriculture, the demand for eco-friendly solutions continues to grow and shape the landscape.
Sustainable agritech innovations from New Zealand are one example of a sector at the forefront of cleantech RnD worldwide.
Here are some examples of innovative agritech ventures:
- Pastoral Robotics detects and mitigates nitrous oxide emissions. Their RnD focuses on improving the treatment of urine patches, which is a major source of nitrate leaching on livestock farms.
- Eko360 controls fertilizer release working towards reducing greenhouse gases in farms.
- Halter provides technology for livestock management using solar-powered collars to track, manage, and even move cattle remotely, including keeping the cattle away from polluting the waterways by way of virtual fences, solving a farmer’s constant headache of having to maintain physical fencing around rivers.
- Bluelab specialises in smart technology for water and nutrient management in farming, helping to optimise water usage while reducing waste.
As these innovations continue to gain traction, we see a corresponding increase in patent applications related to cleantech. This shift not only highlights the need for effective IP protection but also underscores the importance of prioritising IP frameworks that encourage cleantech.
With the growth and focus on cleantech, New Zealand should consider adopting policies that expedite or prioritise IP protection for environmentally sustainable inventions. We see this successfully implemented in UKIPO’s Green Channel, which accelerates the patent application process for inventions that have an environmental benefit.
Cross-border collaboration
Given the global nature of climate change, aligning New Zealand IP laws with international agreements will bolster protections for cleantech. By harmonizing these laws with global standards, New Zealand can facilitate cross-border partnerships and enhance the sharing of innovative green technologies.
New Zealand is increasingly collaborating with international organisations, such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), to ensure its IP laws align with global standards. This alignment helps address international disputes and streamlines enforcement, enabling smoother cooperation on green technology initiatives.
Regulatory bodies are updating IP laws to account for digital trade and the global nature of e-commerce. This includes reforms to better protect IP in online environments, such as addressing counterfeit goods and copyright infringement on global e-commerce platforms. There’s increased cooperation between New Zealand Customs and other countries' customs agencies to track and seize counterfeit or infringing goods entering or leaving the country. Improved data sharing further strengthens these efforts, creating a more secure environment for sustainable technology advancements in global markets.
Ensuring access to green technologies
While protecting IP related to cleantech is crucial, there is also a pressing need to ensure that these technologies are accessible to a broader audience. Striking a balance between incentivising innovation and promoting accessibility will be key. As IP laws evolve, they should facilitate the availability of environmentally beneficial technologies to industries and communities in need.
New Zealand could explore collaborative IP frameworks, such as open licensing or patent pools, to encourage the sharing of sustainable technologies. This approach can facilitate large-scale implementation of green solutions, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
Key strategies to strengthen your IP portfolio
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, safeguarding your innovation is more crucial than ever. Here are some key strategies designed to strengthen your IP portfolio:
- Prioritise cleantech innovations: Actively seek patent protection for green technologies. This proactive approach secures IP rights and signals your commitment to sustainability.
- Engage in collaborative models: Explore partnerships and licensing agreements that enhance the reach of your sustainable innovations. Collaborative frameworks can drive collective impact and reduce risks.
- Focus on cross-border rights: Ensure IP rights are secured globally in key markets. Understanding international agreements and aligning your strategies accordingly will be essential in a globalised economy.
- Stay informed on regulatory developments: Maintain a competitive advantage by staying on top of regulatory developments in the cleantech space.
IP is our passion so we can help you in this space. If you would like to discuss your innovation, contact our experts.
