USPTO March Monthly Review

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united states patent and trademark office

A look back at the highlights of March 2022

Journeys of Innovation

Gitanjali Rao refers to a whiteboard to explain her idea

Gitanjali Rao has invented a device to detect lead in water (inspired by the crisis in Flint, Michigan), an anti-bullying app, and was named TIME’s first “Kid of the Year” in 2020.

One girl's commitment

At 16 years old, Gitanjali Rao has invented a device to detect lead in water (inspired by the crisis in Flint, Michigan), an anti-bullying app, and was named TIME’s first “Kid of the Year” in 2020, among other notable accomplishments. But with her laser-focused commitment and a personality that “sparkles,” what makes her really unique is her ability to encourage other kids to realize their full potential.

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News and updates

Illustrated graphic of women joining hands

The USPTO joined IP agencies around the world in a statement celebrating women innovators

Global IP offices’ joint statement on International Women’s Day 2022: Gender equality for a sustainable tomorrow

In recognition of March 8 as International Women’s Day 2022, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) joined over 20 intellectual property (IP) offices to share a joint statement celebrating the invaluable role of women in innovation and highlighting the need for further inclusion.

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USPTO launches PTAB Pro Bono Program

WASHINGTON — The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced a collaboration with the PTAB Bar Association establishing a new Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) Pro Bono Program. Under the program, the PTAB Bar Association will serve as a national clearinghouse to connect volunteer patent practitioners with eligible inventors seeking legal assistance with ex parte appeals before the Board. Volunteer practitioners will provide their legal services free of charge to qualified inventors. The program will later expand to include AIA Trials.

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USPTO statement on engagement with Russia, the Eurasian Patent Organization, and Belarus

Per guidance issued by the U.S. Department of State, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has terminated engagement with officials from Russia’s agency in charge of intellectual property, the Federal Service for Intellectual Property (commonly known as Rospatent), and with the Eurasian Patent Organization. The USPTO has also terminated engagement with officials from the national intellectual property office of Belarus. Like so many, we are deeply saddened by the events unfolding in Ukraine. We hope for the restoration of peace and human dignity.

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Latest USPTO report finds industries that intensively use intellectual property protection account for over 41% of U.S. gross domestic product, employ one-third of total workforce

WASHINGTON — The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today released the latest edition of its report highlighting the economic contributions of industries that make greater use of intellectual property (IP) protection, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights, titled "Intellectual property and the U.S. economy: Third edition.”

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Blogs and updates

Collage of women featured in the Inventor Collectible Card Series

The Inventor Collectible Card Series features women innovators who have made lasting contributions to our nation’s history, economy, and way of life.

USPTO highlights trailblazing women inventors in collectible cards

In honor of Women’s History Month, and as part of our efforts to protect and promote the ingenuity of American inventors and entrepreneurs, we are proud to share some inspiring stories of notable women innovators who have made lasting contributions to our nation’s history, economy, and way of life.

We highlight these incredible leaders in many ways, but one of the most popular channels is through our Inventor Collectible Card Series, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2022.

A blog by the U.S. Department of Commerce about the USPTO | Continue reading

State of the CIO, 2022: Focus turns to IT fundamentals

USPTO Chief Information Officer Jamie Holcombe recently discussed information technology fundamentals and the state of the CIO in 2022 with CIO Online.

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Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem

It is always an honor to share that the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) has programming ranging from preschool experiences all the way through a Collegiate Inventors Competition. It is even more rewarding when I have the opportunity to sit next to one of Our Nation’s Greatest Innovators — Lonnie Johnson, 2022 NIHF Inductee and inventor of the Super Soaker — to describe how our Inductees inspire and are infused and integrated into our programming.

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2022 Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium

The annual Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium (WES) offers attendees a chance to learn about innovation and business from public and private sector experts. At the WES, you’ll have the chance to learn about navigating today’s changing marketplace, explore ongoing efforts to bring women into the innovation ecosystem, hear from senior USPTO officials and other IP experts, and discover educational opportunities for girls and women in computer science, invention, and STEM.