Marta Keane Joliet Jan 22, 2008 10:22 am

Tech companies offer free rights to eco-friendly patents Four tech companies have partnered with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development to introduce the Eco-Patent Commons, which will offer the rights to eco-friendly technologies for free. IBM, Sony, Nokia, and Pitney Bowes have together donated 31 patents to the public domain, including one for a shock-absorbing cardboard tray that would replace the need for Styrofoam peanuts, and another patent for a way to recycle cell phones into new devices. "Innovation to address environmental issues will require both the application of technology as well as new models for sharing intellectual property among companies in different industries," says IBM Senior Vice President John E. Kelly III. "IBM is excited to bring its patent resources to bear in service of the environment. We strongly urge other companies to contribute to the Eco-Patent Commons." Perhaps we'll donate our patented pun-maker. sources: San Francisco Chronicle, Bloomberg, Reuters, CNN Money

Marta Keane,

Recycling Program Specialist
Will County Land Use - Waste Services
58 E. Clinton Street, Suite 500
Joliet, IL 60432
815-774-4343
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