The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently unveiled a National Strategy for Inclusive Innovation aimed at broadening access to resources that foster innovation and entrepreneurship across diverse American communities. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Council for Inclusive Innovation (CI2), seeks to stimulate economic growth, create quality jobs, and address global challenges by enhancing participation in STEM fields, inventorship, and innovation among historically underrepresented groups.
Intellectual property protection has been pivotal in advancing science and technology. However, opportunities within the U.S. innovation system have not been equitably distributed. According to the USPTO's latest Progress and Potential report, only 12.8% of all inventors named on U.S. patents are women. Additionally, a Harvard University study found that white Americans are three times more likely to invent than Black Americans, while children from high-income families are significantly more likely to become inventors compared to those from lower-income backgrounds.
The USPTO's strategy outlines a comprehensive approach involving federal agencies, academic institutions, and private industry to implement best practices that support a diverse population of innovators.
"Opportunities for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship should be accessible to everyone," stated U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "USPTO’s National Strategy for Inclusive Innovation outlines a pathway to success for inventors from all backgrounds."
Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO Kathi Vidal emphasized the collaborative nature of this effort: "This Strategy provides a call to action and roadmap to achieve innovative success."
The strategy is structured around four Cornerstones essential for maximizing American prosperity. It complements the National Entrepreneurship Strategy released by the Economic Development Administration’s National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NACIE), which includes recommendations for fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the United States.
Director Vidal introduced the new strategy during an event celebrating World IP Day on Capitol Hill alongside members of Congress and representatives from various intellectual property organizations.
In alignment with its 2019 Report to Congress as part of the SUCCESS Act of 2018, which highlighted disparities in patenting activity among underrepresented groups, the USPTO formed CI2. This council comprises representatives from public sectors, private corporations, academia, nonprofit organizations, and government entities focused on promoting inclusive innovation.
Since its inception, CI2 has initiated several programs including a First-Time Filer Expedited Examination Program providing extra support for new inventors; an IP Champions program offering community-based IP assistance; a diversity information platform; expanded pro bono legal services; and paid internships for college students from underrepresented communities.
To further support these initiatives, the USPTO has updated its website with additional locations where patenting and trademark registration assistance can be accessed through its Regional Offices and over 90 Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs).
For more information about these services or to locate a PTRC or Regional Office nearby, visit the Locations page on the USPTO website.
