These founders leveraged intellectual property to get their products in consumers’ hands

Join us virtually for Proud Innovation 2024 on Wednesday, June 12 from 3-4 p.m. ET as founders from three companies in the LGBTQIA+ entrepreneur community tell their stories of getting products to consumers using patents, trademarks, and licensing.  

Our speakers will also share how they built and promoted their businesses through networking, including how they found those opportunities. 

Confirmed speakers:

• Sergio Aragon, Co-founder, Gay Pride Apparel 
• Jesus Gutierrez, Co-founder, Gay Pride Apparel 
• Charisse Pasche, Co-founder and COO, Dapper Boi 
• Vicky Pasche, Co-founder and CEO, Dapper Boi 
• Akeem Shannon, Founder and CEO, Flipstik Inc. and Akeem Shannon Inspires, Inc. 

Proud Innovation highlights the accomplishments of LGBTQIA+ innovators who are using their intellectual property to grow their businesses, positively impact the economy, and serve as mentors for other inventors in their communities. For more information or questions, please contact InnovationOutreach@uspto.gov.