Join the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a free virtual program celebrating Women’s Equality Day and the remarkable contributions of women inventors and entrepreneurs to American innovation. Join us virtually on September 15, 2026, from 1-2 p.m. ET.
Women’s Equality Day is observed annually on August 26 to commemorate the certification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. This year’s program takes place during the national celebration of 250 years of American freedom and independence, honoring women inventors as an essential part of the nation’s innovation story.
Hear from women inventors and founders as they share their journeys navigating the U.S. patent system, building businesses, and bringing their ideas to market. Attendees will also learn about free USPTO resources available to help protect and commercialize intellectual property.
What you will learn:
- How women inventors have shaped American innovation across science, technology, business, and public life
- Why intellectual property matters for inventors and entrepreneurs
- USPTO resources available to independent inventors, small businesses, students, and educators
This program will celebrate women inventors past and present, share practical information about the U.S. intellectual property system, and connect attendees with free USPTO tools and resources.
Agenda
(Subject to change. All times Eastern Time)
| Time | Topic | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 1:00 – 1:03 p.m. | Welcome and introduction of Rebekah Oakes | Deepak Dashairya, Innovation Outreach Specialist, Office of Public Engagement, USPTO |
| 1:03–1:10 p.m. | Trailblazers in IP: Women in patent and trademark history — Explores the legacy of women who shaped American innovation through patents and trademarks, commemorating the 106th anniversary of the 19th Amendment during the Year of Celebration and Rededication, 2026. | Rebekah Oakes, Lead Historian, Office of the Chief Communications Officer, USPTO |
| 1:10-1:40 p.m. | Women inventors in American innovation: A moderated fireside conversation — Two women inventors/founders share their invention journeys, their experiences navigating the U.S. patent system, and their advice for aspiring innovators. Followed by pre-planned Q&A. | Moderator: Elizabeth Dougherty, Southeast Regional Outreach Director, USPTO Inventor/founder panelists: Lisa Lloyd, Founder & CEO — Lloyd Marketing Group, Inc. Christine Sanni, Founder & CEO, Sybal Corp. |
| 1:40–1:45 p.m. | Closing and USPTO resources for inventors and small businesses | Deepak Dashairya, Innovation Outreach Specialist, Office of Public Engagement, USPTO |
For more information, or if you have any questions or comments, please email us at OPEEvents@uspto.gov.
This initiative is educational and informational. The USPTO does not provide legal advice, endorse private entities, or guarantee outcomes. References to events or third parties do not imply endorsement.
Accessibility accommodation
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please submit your request to the contact information listed above.