Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment written by U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, that would require the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) to study the diversity of patent applicants. Moore made the amendment to the America Invents Act, which reforms the patent system.
“Data has helped us identify and address underrepresentation and diversity in the workplace and at colleges and universities,” Moore said. “By simply asking people to take three seconds to identify themselves when they apply for a patent, we’ll be able to get a clear picture of who is actually applying and how underrepresented women and minorities are. And then with this information, we can find ways to encourage women and minority inventors to claim their intellectual property.”
Moore’s amendment requires the PTO to study the diversity of patent applicants, including those who are minorities, women or veterans.
“We know women innovate,” Moore said. “We know African-Americans and Hispanics innovate. We just need to make sure they’re getting credit for their ideas and contributions.”
– BizTimes Milwaukee
