Gina M. Raimondo, Secretary of Commerce | Ballotpedia
The U.S. Department of Commerce's U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is actively providing intellectual property (IP) and entrepreneurship resources to the military community, including service members on active duty, military spouses, National Guardsmen, Reservists, veterans, and military family members worldwide. This initiative aligns with President Biden’s commitment to supporting veterans, military families, and caregivers.
The From Service to Success program, launched in 2022 by Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and USPTO Director Kathi Vidal, has significantly expanded its reach. The program aims to introduce more Americans within the military community to IP and entrepreneurship. Over the past 18 months, the USPTO has conducted ten military-connected events as part of a national roadshow, engaging hundreds of participants both virtually and in person.
"From Service to Success recognizes the unique skills of these Americans and the challenges of deployments and other changes in their work and personal lives," said a spokesperson for the USPTO. Participants have reported substantial benefits from the program's resources. One military entrepreneur noted that learning about trademark processes was invaluable: "I need to start the trademark process, and I am clueless." Another participant expressed surprise at discovering the USPTO's assistance for the military community: "So helpful."
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo addressed attendees at the Military Entrepreneurship Summit on April 22 in Alexandria, Virginia. She stated, "Military families face additional obstacles to starting businesses, and the Commerce Department and Biden Administration are here to help you succeed."
Earlier this month at Fort Buchanan in Puerto Rico, an Army veteran business owner remarked on how beneficial he found the program: "I wished this valuable USPTO program had been around when I started my business."
The Entrepreneurship Essentials Roadshows are integral to From Service to Success. These roadshows visit military bases globally with targeted programming aimed at fostering inclusive innovation among potential entrepreneurs and small business owners within the military community.
This initiative supports President Biden’s executive order on advancing economic security for military families by leveraging resources from various agencies including Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), Department of Defense (DoD), and Small Business Administration (SBA).
For those seeking IP and entrepreneurship guidance locally, a recently launched resources map by USPTO highlights 100 locations across the country where inventors, entrepreneurs, and small businesses can access support. Additional resources are available through SBA Veterans Business Outreach Centers and MBDA Business Centers.
To learn more about utilizing these resources or participating in future events under From Service to Success, individuals can visit its webpage or contact USPTO via email.
