The Hand of History-The Mind of the Inventor

Designed for today’s inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs, as well as history buffs and the intellectually curious, this interactive webinar series features several installments moderated by USPTO Historian Adam Bisno. He's assembled a group of historians with great stories to tell about specific inventors, their patents, and the crucial role of invention in economic progress.

The creative endeavor of inventing has existed since humankind first populated the earth. As individuals and teams, we have pursued innovation as a means of addressing life’s challenges, big and small. This rich history of problem solving reveals some truly fascinating patterns and concepts that can delight and inform inventors of the modern day.

Past events

Jun 28, 2022 - Virtual

The Hand of History-The Mind of the Inventor Session 4: Toys, umbrellas, and more

Join the USPTO for a multi-part series on history and invention by registering for the The Hand of History—The Mind of the Inventor.

Jun 21, 2022 - Virtual

The Hand of History-The Mind of the Inventor Session 3: Automobiles and Aviation

Join the USPTO for a multi-part series on history and invention by registering for the The Hand of History—The Mind of the Inventor.

Jun 14, 2022 - Virtual

The Hand of History-The Mind of the Inventor Session 2: Television

Join the USPTO for a multi-part series on history and invention by registering for the The Hand of History—The Mind of the Inventor.

Jun 7, 2022 - Virtual

The Hand of History-The Mind of the Inventor Session 1: Wireless Telecommunications Networks

Join us for a month-long journey into the history of innovation by registering for the USPTO webinar series, The Hand of History—The Mind of the Inventor.

Jun 30, 2021 - Virtual

History's Hand: Inventor's Mind

“Invention as a team effort: Nikola Tesla, his backer, his lawyer, and his boyfriend” will feature W. Bernard Carlson, Joseph L. Vaughan Professor of Humanities, Chair of the Engineering and Society Department, Professor of History, and Director of the Engineering Business Programs, University of Virginia.

Jun 23, 2021 - Virtual

History's Hand: Inventor's Mind

“Five myths about patents and American economic progress” will feature Zorina Khan, Professor of Economics, Bowdoin College.

Jun 16, 2021 - Virtual

History's Hand: Inventor's Mind

“Lessons from the birth of the Telecommunications Revolution: Samuel Morse’s Electro-Magnetic Telegraph” will feature Adam Mossoff, Professor of Law at the Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University.

Jun 9, 2021 - Virtual

History's Hand: Inventor's Mind

“Innovate like Edison” will feature Paul Israel, Research Professor; Director and General Editor of the Thomas A. Edison Papers at Rutgers University.

Jun 2, 2021 - Virtual

History's Hand: Inventor's Mind

“Licensing the First U.S. Patent: Samuel Hopkins, Eli Cogswell, and the Inventor-Entrepreneur” will feature Dr. Arthur Daemmrich, Director of the Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation at the Smithsonian Institution.