Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I speak with Ryan Schermerhorn, a US patent attorney who’s worked closely with clean tech innovators to help them secure intellectual property rights—faster than you’d think possible.
We dive into the now-suspended USPTO Climate Change Mitigation Pilot Program, which allowed climate tech patent applications to be fast-tracked for free. Ryan explains how the programme worked, why it mattered so much to climate innovation, and what its sudden suspension means for startups and inventors in the clean technology space.
We also explore:
How to protect your clean tech IP without breaking the bank
International alternatives to the US fast-track system
The role of patents in scaling climate solutions
Why IP protection and rapid climate action can (and must) coexist
If you're in climate tech, green innovation, emissions reduction, or product development, and want to understand how IP can help—or hinder—your impact, this conversation is a must-watch.
🎧 Subscribe to the Climate Confident podcast for weekly insights on climate solutions, emissions reductions, and sustainability best practices: climateconfidentpodcast.com
👍 If you find this video useful, please like it, leave a comment, and share it with someone working in climate or innovation.
#climatetech #cleantech #patents #innovationpolicy #sustainability #USPTO #IPprotection #greeninnovation
In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I speak with Ryan Schermerhorn, a US patent attorney who’s worked closely with clean tech innovators to help them secure intellectual property rights—faster than you’d think possible.
We dive into the now-suspended USPTO Climate Change Mitigation Pilot Program, which allowed climate tech patent applications to be fast-tracked for free. Ryan explains how the programme worked, why it mattered so much to climate innovation, and what its sudden suspension means for startups and inventors in the clean technology space.
We also explore:
How to protect your clean tech IP without breaking the bank
International alternatives to the US fast-track system
The role of patents in scaling climate solutions
Why IP protection and rapid climate action can (and must) coexist
If you're in climate tech, green innovation, emissions reduction, or product development, and want to understand how IP can help—or hinder—your impact, this conversation is a must-watch.
🎧 Subscribe to the Climate Confident podcast for weekly insights on climate solutions, emissions reductions, and sustainability best practices: climateconfidentpodcast.com
👍 If you find this video useful, please like it, leave a comment, and share it with someone working in climate or innovation.
#climatetech #cleantech #patents #innovationpolicy #sustainability #USPTO #IPprotection #greeninnovation
