The government has launched a Peer to Patent social media tool to allow the public to view and discuss patent applications.

A pilot system monitored by the Information Property Office will run until the end of 2011, during which time 200 applications in the area of computing will be posted.

Speaking about the launch, Baroness Wilcox said:

"Patent applications granted after using the Peer to Patent website review will be potentially stronger, giving businesses better protection to grow their innovative ideas. This will give the IPO access to a wider body of knowledge when deciding whether a patent should be granted.

"The pilot will give experts the opportunity to comment on patent applications and share their vital expertise before patents are granted. It will also mean that inventions already known in the wider community will be filtered out more readily.”

Australia and the USA have already got Peer to Patent websites.

The project was developed by the New York Law School from the work of Professor Beth Noveck, who has been appointed to lead open source policy in the government.

A New York Law School video describing Peer to Patent is below.