How to Create Greater Gender Diversity at the US Patent Bar
May 6, 2021
World Intellectual Property Review
By Linda J. Thayer
There are some key issues with the US patent bar and its qualifications process. The fundamental problem is that the qualifications for demonstrating sufficient scientific and technical qualifications are quite narrow, too rigid, and not in tune with today’s technologies. According to the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), its regulations provide that practitioners “demonstrate possession of scientific and technical qualifications” to register for the patent bar exam. As the US Patent and Trademark Office reviews its requirements to sit the patent bar, Finnegan partner Linda Thayer explains why change is vital to promote greater gender diversity in the patent field.
Read the full article here.
Tags
United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Patent Prosecution Bar, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
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Originally printed in World Intellectual Property Review on May 6, 2021. This article is for informational purposes, is not intended to constitute legal advice, and may be considered advertising under applicable state laws. This article is only the opinion of the authors and is not attributable to Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP, or the firm’s clients.