Intellectual Property for Energy & CleanTech Innovators
Energy and CleanTech companies face unique IP challenges: rapidly evolving technologies, sustainability-driven innovation, and crowded markets where competitors move fast. For businesses in this space, building a strong patent portfolio is essential for growth and investor confidence. With deep engineering backgrounds and proven legal expertise, Lynch LLP helps develop intellectual property portfolios that protect core technologies and support long-term product strategies. From identifying patentable inventions to navigating USPTO requirements and managing global filings, we deliver practical, business-focused solutions for energy and cleantech leaders.
Patent Strategy for Energy Innovation
Energy and cleantech companies face unique challenges when protecting their innovations—from thermal systems and battery technologies to grid optimization and carbon capture. Lynch LLP combines deep engineering fluency with legal precision to help clients develop patent strategies that align with technical complexity and commercial goals. We understand how to translate cutting-edge energy solutions into strong, enforceable intellectual property.
Global Filings, Local Expertise
Expanding energy technologies across borders requires careful planning and coordination. Lynch LLP guides clients through international patent filings, leveraging our experience and network of global partners to ensure we meet global standards and satisfy jurisdictional nuances. We work with trusted foreign counsel to ensure that your intellectual property is protected consistently and efficiently, wherever your business grows.
Supporting Innovation from Research to Market
Whether you're a startup, university spinout, or established company, protecting early-stage energy innovation is critical. Lynch LLP helps clients navigate the transition from lab to launch, ensuring that foundational technologies are secured before commercialization. Our team understands how to align IP strategy with licensing, fundraising, and long-term growth.
Case Study:
How Lynch LLP Helped a Cleantech Innovator Navigate U.S. and European Patent Strategy for Thermal Energy Storage
Overview
In the fast-moving cleantech sector, protecting energy innovations is essential to attracting investment and maintaining competitive advantage. This case study outlines how a thermal energy storage company partnered with Lynch LLP to develop a global patent strategy, navigate U.S. and European filing challenges, and preserve flexibility for future innovation.
Why a Cleantech Patent Strategy Matters
Market Positioning: Patent protection helps energy startups differentiate their technology in a crowded field.
Global Expansion: Coordinated filings across jurisdictions ensure IP protection as companies scale internationally.
Portfolio Flexibility: Strategic filings and portfolio management preserve options for future innovation.
Our Approach
U.S. Utility Application
Lynch LLP prepared a utility patent application focused on the client’s core thermal energy storage system. Claims were drafted to emphasize technical configurations and system-level improvements.European Filing Strategy
When the European Patent Office proposed narrowing claim language, Lynch LLP pushed back, avoiding overly specific configurations that could limit future protection. The team preserved broad claim scope and prepared for potential divisional filings to capture additional embodiments.Portfolio Planning
Lynch LLP tracked maintenance deadlines, advising on continuation filings to extend protection and adapt to evolving product designs.
Results
Maintained broad claim scope in Europe and continued prosecution in the U.S. despite challenges.
Preserved options for future filings and positioned the company for long-term IP protection across key markets.
Key Takeaways for Cleantech Innovators
Draft for Growth: Avoid overly narrow claims that limit future innovation.
Coordinate Globally: Align U.S. and international filings to ensure consistent protection.
Stay Proactive: Monitor deadlines and plan for continuations to keep your portfolio adaptable.