Public Engagement Event at the Patent Office: Join Us!
U.S. Patent Office
Public Engagement
Partnership Meeting
Friday, March 1, 2024
1:00pm PT/4:00pm ET
PIPLI | February 28, 2024
Public engagement plays a crucial role in ensuring the patent system promotes innovation for the benefit of all Americans. But there’s a catch: the Patent Office primarily interacts with a relatively small and select group—the individuals and corporations that apply for and own patents. That means it rarely hears from or addresses the concerns of countless people its decisions concretely affect—including everyone who makes or uses technology without acquiring patents. This is why many advocacy groups, including us, have been pushing for greater engagement and responsiveness to the broader public in addition to patent applicants and owners.
Why does public engagement with the Patent Office matter?
Building Transparency and Trust: Public engagement ensures that patent policies are crafted with transparency and accountability, fostering trust in the regulatory process.
Improving Policy Decisions: By hearing from and consulting with a broad spectrum of people affected by the patent system, policymakers can make better-informed decisions that more effectively promote innovation and access.
Promoting Equity and Diversity: Public engagement can amplify the voices of individuals and communities whose interests have historically been underrepresented, promoting equity and ensuring that policies reflect more diverse interests and values.
Making the patent system more inclusive and responsive will take time, effort, and commitment. Nevertheless, we are encouraged to see the Patent Office taking steps in the right direction.
One big step is the USPTO Public Engagement Partnership event scheduled for March 1, 2024. All members of the public are welcome (remotely or in person), and can register to attend here.
The event will include presentations by Patent Office officials and conclude with a panel of public interest advocates, including Julie Dawson from the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at University of Wisconsin-Madison, Patricia Kelmar, Senior Director – Health Care Campaigns at U.S. PIRG, Karin Hoelzer Director, Policy and Regulatory Affairs at National Organization for Rare Disorders, and Alex Moss, Executive Director of the Public Interest Patent Law Institute.
We hope this event will be a catalyst for meaningful change that leads to more frequent, impactful, and diverse public engagement with the Patent Office. And we hope to see you there.