Sept. 10, 2008 - Bosch, DuPont, and Xerox have joined the Eco-Patent Commons, agreeing to release some of their environmentally preferable technologies into the public domain. The Eco-Patent Commons, launched earlier this year, aims to encourage researchers, entrepreneurs, and companies to develop greener products and services.

Newly pledged patents include:

A Xerox technology that significantly reduces the time and cost of removing hazardous waste from water and soil; A DuPont technology that converts certain non-recyclable plastics into beneficial fertilizer Automotive technologies from Bosch that help lower fuel consumption, reduce emissions, or convert waste heat from vehicles into useful energy

To date there are 69 patents available to the public on a dedicated web site hosted by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). The organization reports that, since January, three of the shared patents have been adapted by other companies.