IBM, Sony and Nokia are to donate patents to a common pool in an attempt to promote environmentally sound business practices.

The Eco-Patent Commons will contain patents relating to waste reduction, green management, increased recycling and lower power consumption.

The initiative is open to corporates and individuals who contribute at least one patent, and will be administered by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) in Switzerland.

"Eco-Patent Commons provides a unique and significant leadership opportunity for business to make a difference by sharing their innovations and solutions in support of sustainable development," said Björn Stigson, president of the WBCSD.

"It also provides an opportunity for companies and other entities to identify areas of common interest and establish new relationships that can lead to further development in the patented technologies and elsewhere."

A total of 31 patents have been included in the scheme so far, 27 of which come from IBM.

"As the leader in US patents for 15 consecutive years IBM is excited to bring its patent resources to bear in service of the environment," said Dr John E. Kelly III, director of IBM Research.

"In addition to enabling new players to engage in protecting the environment, the free exchange of valuable intellectual property will accelerate work on the next level of environmental challenges.

"We strongly urge other companies to contribute to the Eco-Patent Commons."