We can drive real change through public policy. Invent Together supports legislation and executive actions that will enable everyone to contribute to America’s invention economy.
This includes expanding data collection and research on the inventor diversity gaps; enhancing assistance for underrepresented inventors and entrepreneurs, including pro bono legal help, IP training, and invention funding; broadening participation in STEM and invention education; building capacity at under-resourced colleges and universities, including HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions; and increasing diversity among patent “gatekeepers” like patent attorneys, judges, and examiners.
How can you help? It’s simple: make your voice heard.
The USPTO does not collect demographic data from patent applicants, so researchers must use name-matching software and other imperfect techniques to study disparities in patenting. Invent Together supports the voluntary collection of inventors’ demographic data as well as greater federal agency data sharing to help us understand more about the patent gaps and how to close them.
CI2 is responsible for developing a national strategy to promote and increase the participation of underrepresented groups in invention, patenting, entrepreneurship, and innovation leadership. CI2 is chaired by Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and includes leaders from non-profits, universities, and private companies, as well as individual inventors. Invent Together has assisted CI2 in its development of a detailed National Strategy that provides recommendations for programmatic adjustments and deeper structural changes in both the public and private sectors.
Research shows that women and people of color are underrepresented among patent counsel and patent examiners—both of which are important roles in the patent application process. To increase diversity among patent counsel, Invent Together supports a regular USPTO review of patent bar requirements. Invent Together also supports the recruitment and retention of diverse patent examiners.
Dozens of inventors, academics, industry representatives, and other stakeholders have testified before Congress and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to support policies that will increase inventor diversity. Take a deeper look at congressional testimony, public comments, and more to see how innovators can work together to build a more inclusive innovation ecosystem.
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