To encourage research and innovation in green patent technologies, the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) implemented a new system on September 2, 2026, allowing patent applicants to voluntarily declare green technology classification numbers. When filing a green technology-related invention or utility model patent application, an applicant can designate the corresponding Y02 green classification number and provide the relevant information in the application form. After the TIPO examines and confirms the accuracy of the submitted information, the Y02 classification of said patent application will be indicated in the laid-open gazette and/or publication gazette. Through this new system, industry can more readily identify green technology information in Taiwan patent applications and granted patents.
The TIPO explains that invention or utility model patent applications involving the following green technologies: 1) energy-saving technologies, new energy sources, new energy vehicles, etc.; and 2) carbon reduction technologies and resource conservation, can be declared under the Y02 classification. The applicant should proactively declare the Y02 classification number for a patent application; otherwise, the applicant does not need to provide this information when filing the patent application. The TIPO will not automatically assign a patent application to the Y02 green technology classification. If the Y02 information was not declared at the time of filing, it can be supplemented to the TIPO before the patent application is allowed. Regardless of whether the applicant has provided Y02 information, an invention or utility model patent application must still satisfy the requirements under the Patent Act to obtain a patent. Therefore, if the TIPO determines that a patent application does not fall within the Y02 green technology classification and removes its classification tag, or the classification number needs to be corrected, this will not affect the patentability of the patent application.
If an invention or utility model is to be tagged as a green patent under the Y02 classification, the applicant must complete the “Green Technology Classification Number”
and “Green Technology Description” sections in the application form, and provide a supporting document, where necessary. According to the TIPO, the “Green Technology Classification Number” is based on the Y02 classification under the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system, which covers technologies or utilizations for climate change mitigation/adaptation. Further details, including the classification hierarchy from the main class Y02 to subclasses Y02A, Y02B, …Y02W, followed by the main groups and groups, can be found in the TIPO’s instruction manual, which also includes various examples for reference. The “Green Technology Description” can be provided from either the description of the green technology in the patent specification or any one of the patent claims. The supporting document may be a research plan relating to the green technology field.
In addition to the new green patent classification system for Taiwan invention and utility model applications, the TIPO’s existing Accelerated Examination Program (AEP) for Taiwan Invention Patent Applications also covers inventions relating to green technologies (Base 4 of AEP). Patent applications filed with an AEP request may receive examination results within 6 months. Therefore, applicants can make effective use of the Y02 classification to monitor current trends in green technology development, facilitate early-stage R&D planning and green technology transformation, and consider an AEP request to expedite the examination process and potentially accelerate the grant of patents. In light of the growth of the global green economy and opportunities in green market, the new system may help companies fulfill their social responsibilities, contribute to environmental protection, and promote sustainable corporate development.
