Green Technology Patents

Wired Magazine ran a piece today about clean energy and the costs associated with producing a patent. One example given was a Chinese car manufacturer complained about making a hybrid car low cost because of the fees associated with paying for use of a patented technology. In addition, federal law is making it difficult for patents, especially those funded and produced at universities to enter the open market without exclusive rights for one company. Hopefully, this impasse does not stall green technologies and the creation of cheaper, cleaner alternatives. Here's the link to the article: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/04/climate-desk-patents-ouellette/