Intellectual assets in renewable energy and climate
Companies in this industry often build value through the combination of advanced technology, specialized expertise, and operational experience.
Patents can be central to protect new technical solutions in areas such as energy production, energy storage, hydrogen, CCS, control systems and component development. At the same time, many companies will have valuable know-how that may be better suited for protection as trade secrets.
Software and data are also playing an increasingly important role. Energy management, virtual power plants, predictive maintenance, optimising operations and analysing energy flows are often based on algorithms, software and datasets that represent significant competitive advantages.
Furthermore, trademarks and corporate identity are important values in an industry where trust, sustainability and technological credibility play a central role vis-à-vis customers, investors and partners.
Collaboration is often crucial for development and commercialisation. Therefore, clear agreements of ownership, licensing, further development and use of technology can be among the company's most important intellectual assets.
Important IP challenges in renewable energy and climate
The development of new energy technology often takes place over a long period of time and requires significant investments. It is important to consider how innovation should be protected and commercialized. A common challenge is to decide which technologies should be patented and which should be kept confidential.
Collaboration between technology suppliers, research institutions, energy companies and public actors is widespread in the industry. This often raises questions about who owns the results, who can further develop the technology, and how the rights should be distributed between the parties.
Many companies operate in international markets or want to scale outside their home market. This also raises questions about where and when technology, trademarks and designs should be protected.
Another key topic is the risk of conflict with existing rights. Before new products or solutions are launched, it can be important to understand the patent landscape and assess the freedom to operate in the market.
For companies that develop digital energy solutions, ownership of data, software and insights from analyses is becoming increasingly important strategic issues.
How we help companies in renewable energy and climate
Acapo Onsagers combines technology understanding, business understanding and legal expertise to help businesses protect and utilize their intellectual assets throughout the innovation process.
Among other things, we assist with:
- mapping of intellectual assets and identifying which competitive advantages should be protected
- development of IP strategies that support the company's technological and commercial goals
- patent protection of technology in energy, storage, process industry, digitalization and sustainable solutions
- assessment of patentability, patent landscape and Freedom to Operate (FTO) prior to investments and market introduction
- agreements related to research, development, collaboration, licensing and ownership of technology
- trademark protection and management of intellectual property rights in international markets
Why industry knowledge is important
Good IP advice requires more than legal expertise. In renewable energy, the advisor must understand how technology is developed, how the value chains work, and the regulatory and commercial framework conditions the company operates in.
Our team works on issues related to battery technology, hydrogen production, energy storage, CCS, digital energy platforms or advanced management systems.
We work with companies that develop and commercialize technology at the intersection of energy, industry, digitalization and sustainability. This understanding makes us better equipped to provide advice that supports both innovation, growth and long-term value creation.
