Patents for Humanity

For over two centuries, strong patents have provided business incentives that encourage technological progress to build our modern world. As we struggle to combat the issues plaguing many of the world's poor, patents play an essential role in creating lasting solutions.

Patents for Humanity is an awards competition for patent owners and licensees. It is the USPTO's voluntary pilot program to recognize patent owners who apply their patented technology to address humanitarian needs. The program advances the president’s global development agenda by rewarding companies who bring life-saving technologies to underserved people of the world, while showing how patents are an integral part of tackling the world's challenges.

Participants will send in applications describing how they've used their patented technology or products to address humanitarian challenges. Judges will choose winners in four categories: medical technology, food and nutrition, clean technology and information technology.

Winners will receive a certificate for accelerated processing of select patent USPTO matters. The program creates a powerful tool for businesses to expedite handling of their most important matters and help validate technology in the market – leading to quicker and more efficient investment decisions.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to the vast humanitarian challenges we face. Patents for Humanity will seek to recognize businesses of all shapes and sizes. Businesses are finding unique and creative ways to reach people in the developing world with sustainable solutions.

Highlighting success stories of humanitarian engagement that are compatible with business interests and strong patent rights will demonstrate how businesses can effectively contribute while maintaining commercial markets.

More information 

Visit the Patents for Humanity Application Portal on Challenge.gov to apply and view submissions.

Read the press release from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Read the Director's Forum blog post introducing Patents for Humanity.

See the Patents for Humanity fact sheet.

Read the U.S. Federal Register Notice for a detailed description of the program.

Read the White House blog article Rewarding Inventors Who Work to Solve Global Challenges.

Visit the White House's Fact Sheet: Harnessing Innovation for Global Development.