Shaping A More Inclusive Intellectual Property World With Derrick Brent
Release Date: 02/28/2024
Innovation Across Borders: Rodrigo del Canto on Global Technology Transfer
AUTM on the Air
In the industry of technology transfer, diverse perspectives from around the world not only help us understand how things work in other countries but also provide fresh ideas for our own organizations. Joining us today is Rodrigo del Canto, Director of Technology Transfer at iCono UDD in Santiago, Chile. Rodrigo del Canto is a seasoned professional in technology transfer and innovation, holding key roles at iCono UDD. With a background in law and public policy, Rodrigo extensively contributes to academia as a professor at Universidad del Desarrollo. He is actively involved in institutional...
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Innovate, Navigate, Communicate: Dr. Sheila Kadura on Transforming Policy into Tech Transfer Triumphs
AUTM on the Air
The influence of Washington D.C. corridor issues on tech transfer (technology transfer) operations significantly affects tech transfer professionals in several key ways. From navigating the regulatory environments of compliance and IP to funding, to ethical considerations, there’s a lot to unpack when it comes to translating policy into practice. I’m excited to talk with Dr. Sheila Kadura as she shares her wealth of knowledge and experience on tech transfer and regulatory policy. Dr. Sheila Kadura serves as Associate General Counsel at the University of Texas System, where she is...
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EDI Guide: Nine Points to Consider for Fostering Greater Inclusion in Innovation
AUTM on the Air
One of our goals at AUTM is to foster greater inclusion in innovation. We are committed to providing guidance to our members and the wider technology transfer community on important global issues. This episode is about one of the newest EDI guides, the Nine Points to Consider for Fostering Greater Inclusion in Innovation. I’m excited to discuss these new guidelines with Almesha Campbell, Jennifer Gottwald, and Jane Muir. Almesha Campbell and Jennifer Gottwald are members of the AUTM Women Inventors’ Special Interest Group (WISIG). They also contributed to the creation of this report. ...
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A Vision for Tomorrow: Yoichi Oshima on IP, Tech Transfer, and Innovation Analysis
AUTM on the Air
In the world of technology transfer, listening to diverse perspectives from across the globe isn't merely about understanding alternative methodologies; it's fundamentally about unlocking fresh ideas that can be integrated into our own organizations. Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Yoichi Oshima, the Vice President for Government and Industry Relations at Tokyo Tech. With a background in electronics engineering, Yoichi possesses extensive experience in both patent examination and semiconductor-related domains. His career has been marked by various significant roles, including...
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Equality in Academia: Investing in Women for Better Science With Janet, Ulrike, and Ursula
AUTM on the Air
Academia plays a crucial role in societal progress, supported by significant public funds allocated to higher education and research institutions. However, this support is compromised by pervasive sexism within academia, leading to the loss of talented women and impeding scientific advancement. Today, we're addressing a critical issue afflicting academia: sexism and its detrimental effects on science and public funding. Our discussion is inspired by the paper "Sexism In Academia Is Bad For Science And A Waste Of Public Funding," authored by Nicole Boivin, Susanne Täuber, Ulrike Beisiegel,...
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Breaking Barriers: The Untold Stories of Women Inventors With Rebekah Oakes
AUTM on the Air
Women's History Month celebrates the vital contributions of women throughout history and into the present day, marking a period where we honor their achievements and resilience across a multitude of fields, notably in areas like technology transfer and innovation. Women have always been at the heart of driving change, with their innovative inventions, pioneering research, and entrepreneurial zeal. Despite the hurdles of systemic barriers and gender biases, their perseverance has significantly impacted the landscape of tech transfer, leaving a lasting legacy. In today's discussion, we talk...
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Navigating Tech Transfer and Early-Stage Technology Acquisition With Leah Speser
AUTM on the Air
I’m excited to introduce Leah Speser, a seasoned expert in technology transfer and commercialization, currently serving as the Senior Consultant for Knowledge Transfer & Commercialization at the Research and Innovation Foundation of the Republic of Cyprus. Leah's experience and expertise in the world of tech transfer are extensive. She has an impressive career that spans academia, industry, and international development. Today, we’re discussing early-stage technology acquisition opportunities, a topic crucial for anyone looking to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of technology. Leah...
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Shaping A More Inclusive Intellectual Property World With Derrick Brent
AUTM on the Air
Creating positive change in the world of emerging technology requires more than just innovative ideas. It demands a commitment to fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to contribute and thrive. This means implementing intentional practices, programs, and initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive innovation. By ensuring access for women, people of color, indigenous peoples, individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and other underrepresented groups, we can pave the way for a more successful and inclusive...
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Celebrating Black Entrepreneurial Excellence: A Glimpse into Spelman's Center for Entrepreneurship with Dr. Grant Warner
AUTM on the Air
The entrepreneurial landscape in the United States is rich with talent and innovation, evidenced by the nearly 3.6 million Black-owned businesses, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. These enterprises, which employ around 1.3 million individuals across 4% of these businesses, are a vibrant testament to the resilience, inventiveness, and entrepreneurial drive within Black communities nationwide. Yet, despite their notable impact, Black entrepreneurs face persistent challenges, including limited access to capital, educational resources, networking, and mentorship. These barriers have...
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Immortalizing The Untold Stories of Black Inventors with James Howard of BIHOF
AUTM on the Air
As February unfolds, we're thrilled to kick off a special series in celebration of Black History Month, a time to honor the significant contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. Today, we're excited to chat with James Howard, the Executive Director of the Black Inventors Hall of Fame (BIHOF). James Howard wears many hats: he is a college professor, design historian, entrepreneur, industrial designer, inventor, and restaurateur. He brings more than 25 years of teaching experience in design and has created a course on Design Thinking and Design History, examining...
info_outlineCreating positive change in the world of emerging technology requires more than just innovative ideas. It demands a commitment to fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
This means implementing intentional practices, programs, and initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive innovation. By ensuring access for women, people of color, indigenous peoples, individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and other underrepresented groups, we can pave the way for a more successful and inclusive innovation strategy.
I'm thrilled today to welcome Derrick Brent, the Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In his role, Derrick acts as a key advisor to Kathi Vidal, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO.
He is tasked with managing a broad range of programs and operations at one of the world's most significant intellectual property offices, which boasts over 13,000 employees and operates with an annual budget exceeding $4 billion.
Derrick's role is broad and multifaceted. He works closely with Director Vidal to guide the USPTO. Together, they work to improve IP policies and procedures for the national good. They also work to expand the USPTO's outreach as they boost innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the country.
In This Episode:
[02:59] Derrick shares some specific initiatives led by the USPTO to promote diversity and inclusion in tech transfer offices.
[03:23] Tech transfer presents the opportunity for entrepreneurial gains in startups and a chance for innovation to reach the marketplace.
[04:07] Education and reaching out early to present tech transfer as an opportunity for research and employment. They've also engaged in outreach with HBCUs and MSIs in an effort to expand activity in the system.
[05:35] The USPTO has been engaging on a high level and trying to reach more people to bring into the tech transfer system.
[06:01] How the USPTO collaborates with ERIs to drive diversity and inclusion in innovation. Tech transfer round tables with staff from HBCUs and MSIs. They had subject matter experts and text transfer people.
[08:11] They are using outreach to educate the administrators about tech transfer. They're winning minds and hearts to commit to the expansion.
[09:07] We need to do a better job of coordinating our resources.
[10:17] Effective strategies that the USPTO uses to help ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for underrepresented groups. Kathi Vidal has been passionate about bringing more into the system.
[11:02] The pro bono program offers free patent legal assistance. The Pathways Program educates entrepreneurs and brings the marketplace into play.
[12:10] Enhanced outreach has also developed geographic diversity. The first time filer program also brings more people into the system.
[15:08] The success in their approaches comes from being intentional in making maximum impact.
[17:41] The USPTO is an agency with a big heart and they want to do more. One of the challenges they face is scaling their programs and coordinating resources.
[23:56] Partners working to help include AUTM, National Academy of Inventors, Federal Labs Consortium, UNCF and more. The universities themselves get right out into the field.
[26:45] Derrick talks about how to measure the effectiveness of these initiatives.
[30:05] One of their core principles is driving inclusive innovation.
[34:39] How the USPTO addresses unconscious bias in the patent office to ensure fair treatment for all innovators regardless of their background.
[37:03] Derrick talks about the role of the PTO shaping the future of diversity and inclusion in tech transfer. They are going to continue to provide IP education wherever there are entrepreneurial efforts. Tech transfer needs a connector.
[39:11] To drive diversity and inclusion in innovation they are going to continue to lead by example and make sure they have robust inclusive teams.
Resources:
USPTO America’s Innovation Agency LinkedIn
Patent Pro Bono Program: Pathways to inclusive innovation
National Science Foundation: NSF