Today, Andrei Iancu, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), delivered the keynote address at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Equality of Opportunity in the Innovation Economy conference, while also honoring accomplished inventor Dr. Marian Croak with the unveiling of her national USPTO “inventor card.”
“In today’s highly competitive global economy, it is critical that all Americans willing to work hard, persevere, and take risks have the opportunity to innovate, to start new companies, and, ultimately, to achieve the American Dream,” said Iancu, in recorded remarks which also celebrated the successful launch of the National Council for Expanding American Innovation (NCEAI), held only two weeks prior.
With the unveiling of her inventor card, Dr. Croak became the latest inventor to be added to the USPTO’s collectible inventor card series and the first African American woman to receive this honor.
“I think the more role models that people have, the more inspired they are to understand that they are capable of doing anything,” said Dr. Croak, in discussing her pathway to success for a Journeys of Innovation interview with the USPTO, which is featured on the USPTO.gov homepage.
A pioneer in the advancement of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Dr. Croak holds more than 200 patents. Later in October, she will participate in a virtual fireside chat with Director Iancu as part of the USPTO Speaker Series. Specific details about the event, including date and time, will be forthcoming.
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