PNC patents the environment

Watch out banking eco-warriors, PNC Financial Services in the US has patented the term 'Green Branch', with reference to its network of 40 environmentally-friendly bank branches across six states. The Pittsburgh-based bank claims to have more certified, environmentally-friendly buildings than any other company on earth.

"Consumers want to do business with socially responsible companies and PNC is leading the way in the banking industry," trumpets Neil Hall, head of retail distribution, PNC Bank, in a press release celebrating the patent.

According to PNC, a main reason for the Federal Patent Office's approval of the bank's trademark application is that financial services are not generally associated with environmentally friendly or ecologically efficient characteristics.

Try telling that to every other bank jumping on the eco-bandwagon.