“USPTO Leaders: Embracing Inclusive Innovation for Unleashing Economic Growth”

**Expanding Innovation and Economic Growth: The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Strategic Plan**
*Driving Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Job Creation for Economic Growth*

## The Growth of Patent Filings and American Ingenuity

Since the establishment of the U.S. Patent Office in 1836, the number of patent filings has steadily increased, reaching a record high of 621,453 in 2019. These patent filings reflect the American ingenuity that drives economic growth. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), formerly known as the U.S. Patent Office, is committed to expanding this ingenuity and growth with its 2022 – 2026 Strategic Plan, which aims to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, job creation, and enhance global competitiveness and national security.

## Inclusive Innovation: The Foundation for Economic Growth

Under the leadership of Under Secretary Kathi Vidal and newly appointed Commissioner of Patents Vaishali Udupa, the USPTO is focused on driving economic growth through inclusive innovation. Inclusive innovation is the first of five goals outlined in their strategic plan. Vidal believes that to achieve all their objectives, it is crucial to ensure that the innovation ecosystem is inclusive and that no one is left behind. By expanding pro bono innovation assistance across the country and reaching out to diverse groups, the USPTO has seen significant increases in the participation of women, Black inventors, and Hispanics. This inclusive approach is intended to bring everyone into the innovation ecosystem from the very beginning, resulting in a robust and diverse generation of inventors.

## Making Innovation Accessible to Everyone

For Udupa, inclusive innovation means making it accessible to everyone, including those from underrepresented minorities and even individuals in remote areas. By tapping into every corner of the U.S., the USPTO aims to ensure that people from all backgrounds can be part of the innovation mindset. By creating opportunities for diverse inventors and encouraging them to share their unique perspectives, the USPTO believes that new and innovative solutions to various problems can be found.

## Expanding Programs and Initiatives

Under Vidal’s direction, the USPTO has expanded innovation and entrepreneurship programs specifically targeted to veterans, Blacks, Hispanics, Native American artists and craftspeople, and other diverse groups. The Women Entrepreneurs Initiative, for example, supports female entrepreneurs to promote equity, job creation, and economic prosperity. These programs aim to create opportunities and provide resources to underrepresented groups, empowering them to participate in the innovation ecosystem.

## Empathy and Diverse Perspectives Drive Innovation

One of the key aspects of inclusive innovation is recognizing the power of diverse perspectives. Vidal and Udupa believe that by understanding the unique experiences of individuals from different backgrounds, new and innovative ideas can emerge. They point to examples like Kavya Kopparapu, who invented Eyeagnosis at the age of 17. Inspired by her grandfather’s limited access to ophthalmologists and expensive retinal imagery machines, Kopparapu used artificial intelligence and smartphone technology to develop a solution that removes barriers to critical care for those with limited access to doctors. By encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to share their insights and ideas, the USPTO aims to foster continuous innovation and improvement.

## Protecting Intellectual Property for Collaboration and Economic Prosperity

Intellectual property protection plays a crucial role in bringing ideas to impact. The USPTO emphasizes the importance of patents and intellectual property rights in fostering collaboration, attracting funding, and ensuring the success of innovative endeavors. IP protection allows innovators to securely share their ideas without the fear of idea theft, enabling collaboration and facilitating the growth of industries. Vidal cites the example of the COVID-19 vaccines, which were developed using patented mRNA technology. The protection of this intellectual property allowed companies to collaborate, contributing to the successful development of vaccines and the resolution of a global crisis. Udupa adds that robust IP rights promote collaboration and give innovators the confidence to pursue their ideas.

## Intellectual Property and U.S. Prosperity

The protection of intellectual property is vital to U.S. prosperity. Intellectual property-intensive industries, such as manufacturing, information technology, education, and healthcare services, contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP and employment. These industries account for 41% of the GDP and 44% of U.S. employment. Intellectual property protection allows for the growth of these industries, enabling individuals to secure higher wages, better health insurance, and improved retirement plans. By investing in innovation and IP-intensive industries, the USPTO believes that Americans across the country can experience improved economic well-being.

## The Dynamic Aspect of Intellectual Property

Addressing concerns that intellectual property protection stifles competition and results in higher prices, Vidal points out the dynamic nature of intellectual property. While devaluing IP may lead to temporary price reductions and increased competition, it fails to consider the long-term effects. Intellectual property protection encourages continuous innovation, collaboration, and the resolution of global challenges. By protecting IP rights, the USPTO enables individuals and companies to invest in new ideas, contributing to economic growth and solving major world problems.

In conclusion, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s strategic plan focuses on inclusive innovation, driving economic growth, and protecting intellectual property. By expanding innovation programs and initiatives, making innovation accessible to everyone, and encouraging diverse perspectives, the USPTO aims to foster an environment of continuous innovation and entrepreneurship. Through the protection of intellectual property, collaboration is facilitated, economic prosperity is achieved, and major world problems are solved.