Title:	An Overview of Patent Application Data in the Field of Photovoltaics
Author(s):	A. Visentin, M. Boero, C. Königstein
Keywords:	PV Patent Activity
Topic:	PV - A MAJOR ELECTRICITY SOURCE
Subtopic:	PV Globalisation, Policies and Administrative Barriers
Event:	28th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
Session:	6BV.8.14
Pages:	4665 - 4669
ISBN:	3-936338-33-7
Paper DOI:	10.4229/28thEUPVSEC2013-6BV.8.14
Price:	0,00 EUR
Document(s):	paper

Abstract/Summary:

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The present study is aimed at giving an update on patent activities in the photovoltaics (PV) field covering the past 35 years. In this study, the number of patent applications published during this time period, per year and for the whole period, in several of the most relevant solar cell technologies is analysed. Patent filing figures and the origin of patent applications are shown for the different types of solar cells including polymer and organic solar cells, dye sensitized solar cells, and several areas of PV engineering. A short introduction to Espacenet and its use for searching patent information is given together with an overview of a new IPC classification scheme covering PV systems that will enter into force in 2014.