The Illinois Intellectual Property Alliance (“ILIPA”) is a newly formed coalition that serves as a connecting hub for local and regional organizations and individuals to facilitate the creation, protection, and enablement of IP for the economic and social well-being of Illinois citizens.
I recently attended the ILIPA-sponsored discussion with USPTO Regional Director Damiano Porcari, who is responsible for carrying out the strategic direction of the USPTO while leading the Midwest regional office in Detroit, Michigan. According to Mr. Porcari, he is responsible for actively engaging with the community through USPTO initiatives and programs tailored to the region’s unique ecosystem of industries and stakeholders – large businesses, small and medium size businesses, as well as individuals.
USPTO outreach programs and resources described by Mr. Porcari during his presentation included:
- Public workstations – located at the USPTO Detroit offices which provide the same search tools patent examiners and other employees use when examining patent and trademark applications.
- An IP Awareness Assessment tool – that identifies an individual’s understanding of IP based on responses to 62 questions covering ten IP categories. Following completion of the assessment, individuals are provided with customized training materials.
- A Pro Se Assistance Program – The USPTO works closely with small business administrations “SBAs” and alliances incubators in connection with its Pro Se Assistance program that is dedicated to helping individuals and small businesses achieve their IP strategies. The program offers substantial fee discounts for small businesses that meet certain requirements.
- Patent process training – which assists applicants at all stages of the patent examination process through, for example, the Quick Clinic video series available on YouTube, pre-filing “knowledge packs,” and inventor information chats.
- Prioritized examination – which are available pursuant to the USPTO’s “TrackOne” program for patent applications containing a limited number of independent and dependent claims.
- Regional events – that are posted on the USPTO website.
During his presentation, Mr. Porcari also discussed the USPTO’s efforts to facilitate the sharing of patented innovation relating to treatments for Covid-19. The USPTO’s “Patents 4 Partnership” is an IP marketplace platform that brings together those who have technologies and want to make them available for licensing and those who have an interest in and the ability to commercialize the technologies.
Mr. Porcari’s presentation was moderated by Dr. Kate Berezutskaya of Green Burns & Crain and supported by Adam Kelly of Loeb & Loeb.
For further information regarding this event or the Illinois Intellectual Property alliance, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or +1.312.327.4412.