Press Releases

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment written by Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) that would require the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) to study the diversity of patent applicants.
                                                                        
Congresswoman Moore said, “Data have helped us identify and address underrepresentation and diversity in the workplace and at colleges and universities.  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.  Her amendment specifically prohibits any preferential treatment based on this study.  Currently, no such data exists and private studies are incomplete.

Moore continued, “We know women innovate.  We know African-Americans and Hispanics innovate.  We just need to make sure they’re getting credit for their ideas and contributions.”

Moore made the amendment to the America Invents Act, which reforms the patent system.  The overall bill is expected to pass the House.