The Cleantech sector is a rapidly growing field encompassing a
diverse range of technologies which aim to mitigate climate change
and reduce the world's carbon footprint. With the
introduction of a carbon tax imminent in Australia, the message is
clear that the time to reduce carbon footprints and develop
innovative clean energy solutions is now. However, a difficulty
which many entrepreneurs and startups face, is how to turn an
innovative idea into a commercial reality. Often, one of the most
important early steps in achieving such an outcome is protecting
the intellectual property (IP) in the
technology.
Cleantech technology that is patent protected maximises the
value of a start-up's business. A patent is an asset that
offers its owner many advantages if leveraged properly. A patent
protects the core functionality of the technology, the way it
works, and a well drafted patent should make it difficult for a
competitor to easily work around. In one sense therefore,
