New online marketplace seeks environmentally sustainable solutions for climate change

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) launched on Friday a new online marketplace connecting a wide variety of groups seeking shared innovation and environmentally friendly technologies to address climate change. "The WIPO GREEN database and network matches owners of new technologies with individuals or companies seeking to commercialize, license or otherwise distribute a green technology", said WIPO in press release from its Headquarters in Geneva. Its objective is to accelerate innovation and diffusion of green technologies and contribute to the efforts of developing countries in addressing climate change. WIPO Director General Francis Gurry said: "Innovative green technologies have an important role to play in addressing climate change. Our objective is for WIPO GREEN to become a go-to platform for green technologies, thanks to our growing network of partners and innovative collaborations with major global technology databases." At the center of the initiative is an extensive database of green technologies, inventions and patents, which come from a wide range of institutions, including small and medium-sized enterprises, multinational companies, innovators, and universities from around the world. WIPO GREEN has already gained around 1,000 uploads during a pilot and testing phase, including those from WIPO GREEN's partnerships with the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and the East Africa Climate Innovation Network. The program already has 35 partners. The database offers green technology providers greater visibility for their products, services and IP assets (including inventions, patents, technologies and know-how) for sale or license, helping to attract partners and finance. The database also advertises technological needs - including specific technologies and IP assets, funding, training and professional services. The database's listing of innovative green technologies, IP assets and experts makes it a useful resource for investors, entrepreneurs and licensing managers looking to construct and execute deals in the green technology space. The WIPO GREEN network helps facilitate commercial relationships and transactions by connecting green technology providers and seekers, and acting as a gateway to a range of relevant services. The network hosts a freely accessible online roster of green technology consultants and service providers, who offer expertise in a wide range of areas including IP management, licensing and investment. The network acts as a gateway to useful IP services, such as WIPO's Arbitration and Mediation Center. Through the network, members can meet a wide range of stakeholders - including SMEs, multinational companies, intergovernmental organizations, investors and academics - thereby providing new opportunities for collaboration and partnership.