The Diversity in our Innovation Communities Makes Us All Stronger
As a business, intellectual property and patent attorney I have been fortunate throughout my career to work with some truly gifted people across a wide range of industries and technical disciplines. I know my story is not unique and that there are many other practitioners out there who have also seen that innovation, creativity and the unique insights that inventors bring to the world knows no limits.
Our innovation communities are not limited in only offering a commercial perspective but can and do also play an important social role. Our US Patent system, through the on-going evolution of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) practices, policies and outreach actions, continues to strive and find ways to support and recognize the inventive spirit, and the excellence of intellect that it represents, no matter where it is found in society. By looking for and continuing to highlight the strength that diversity brings to our innovation communities, finding new ways to improve our support for and recognition of inventors, and promoting the increased revelation of all perspectives, the USPTO continues to bring more and more innovation “into the light” for the benefit of all.
Some areas that are in development by the USPTO are:
Recognizing Unique Innovation Needs of Underrepresented People and for Tech Transfer
Expanding Equality of Opportunity by Addressing the “Patenting Grant Gap”
Diversifying Inventorship by Diversifying the Patent Bar
Develop and Prioritizing Innovation Equity Metrics and What Works
Click here for more information on programs the USPTO has developed to inspire and promote diversity in innovation.
Regardless of the work that the USPTO is doing there remains significant work to do to continue to broaden our communities that support innovation and affect ever greater inclusion. It is incumbent upon us to build and advance new and diverse paths that stoke the fires of innovation. We are blessed in this field to support, in our own ways, the bright and curious minds and incredible people for whom invention is a passion and must continue to look for ways to expand opportunities and do our best for ALL inventors so that they can find needed support. What gets patented gets done!
Law Firms, like Rueppell Consulting, continue to promote diversity in innovation and business by providing access to a network experienced in the challenges confronting all businesses.
When startups and innovation entrants patent, good outcomes often follow: first-time patenting is associated with investment, hiring, and economic mobility. Though only one part of the larger innovation ecosystem, the patent system’s long-standing commitment to a diversity of inventors and equal opportunity position it well to answer the call of the current moment, for greater inclusion in innovation.
About Rueppell Consulting
An experienced General Counselor and Strategic Business Advisor. Chris Rueppell directly advises C-level and senior management on all legal matters ranging from;
Governance (Boardroom/Risk Mgmt)
US/Intl. Regulatory Compliance
Commercial (M&A, complex contracting, financial, insurance)
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity
Dispute Resolution (litigation, arbitration)
Technology/Intellectual Property(Development/Licensing/Enforcement) & USPTO
Registered Patent Attorney. Working in collaboration with internal partners and managing external relationships, my goal is to resolve issues with integrity to achieve desired business results.
To learn more about Chris Rueppell and how he can help protect your IP and your business assets click here
To connect with Chris on LinkedIn click here
