論台灣綠色專利法制建構之實證研究-以美國法為比較分析

Abstract

近年來，全球氣候異常變遷日趨明顯，對於平衡追求經濟成長及永續發展之呼聲甚囂塵上。科技發展於便利人類生活之際，亦嚴重影響全球環境問題。因應氣候危機之治本方案既在導入新興綠色技術，綠色技術發展關係密切之綠色專利遂備受矚目。我國智慧財產局亦追隨主要專利申請活動國家之腳步，於2014年初啟動綠能技術專利加速審查機制，本文遂聚焦於綠色專利法制議題。專利法旨在鼓勵創新研發，當然亦包括綠色技術創新之促進；然專利權具備排他獨占性等作用，為取得專利權所歷經之冗長審查程序，均相當程度地限制、阻礙綠色技術之推廣，致綠色技術之應用遠不及因應快速變遷之環境問題。就環境權之公益性觀之，我國現行專利法制實有檢討必要。首先，本文回顧綠色專利與氣候環境變遷之相關文獻，並研析美國法院及我國法院之相關判例，自實證觀點針對環保性之軌跡檢視法院見解，提出本文之研究價值並審視將綠色性納入傳統可專利性要件之正當性與可能性。再者，以國際公約相關之專利法制作法規範分析，詮釋各專利規範與環境議題相關之條文，比較美國綠色專利法制之發展經驗，分析法規範上利弊得失，做為我國綠色專利法制之借鏡。最後，本文提出綠色專利法制之立法建議，期能藉此促進綠色科技產業之創新及大自然生態環境之永續發展。

In recent years, the crisis of global climate change becomes more evident. The advocacy for balancing the pursuit of economic growth and sustainable development therefore stresses. Technology development facilitates human life however also seriously impacts the global environmental issues. The radical solution in response to the climate crisis is exploitation of emerging green technology, hence the green patent comes under scrutiny. In the beginning of this year, the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office, following the pace of major countries engaging in patenting activity, launched the “Accelerated Examination Program” for green energy technology patent. This thesis therefore focuses on topic of green patent legal regime. Patent legal regime aims to encourage innovation in research and development, certainly as well, including the enhancement of green technology innovation. In order to obtain the patent right, which grants the exclusive right, the patentee shall undertake a lengthy examination process. However, such process, to some extent, slows down the promotion of green technology for implementation in time to solve or mitigate critical climate change problem. In light of public interest and environmental right perspective, it is deemed necessary to further review the existing patent law in Taiwan. Firstly, this thesis conducted a literature review on green patent and climate change as well as analyzes practical court decisions both in Taiwan and the U.S. The court opinions represent the research value of this thesis and examine the legitimacy or possibility for adopting “green characteristics” as additional patentability requirement. Furthermore, through review and analysis on international conventions, this thesis interprets the relevant provisions on patent and environmental issues, compares with green patent development experienced in the U.S. legal system, analyzes the pros and cons, and approaches the U.S. legal system as example for construction on green patent legal system in Taiwan. Finally, this thesis submits legislative proposal for green patent legal system, hoping to foster innovation of green technology industry for sustainable development of the nature ecology and environment.