"The Obama administration vowed today to streamline the patent review process for 'green' technologies and committed $100 million for federal research, development and demonstration projects.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office will expedite the examination of applications for 'green' technologies, which could range from building-integrated photovoltaic materials to electric vehicle batteries. The pilot program is aimed at reducing the patent review time from 40 months to 12 months, a move that will enable inventors to secure funding and launch businesses more quickly, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke told reporters today."

Michael Burnham reports for Greenwire December 7, 2009. [2]