Closing the Innovation Gap: How Patent Pathways is Driving Diversity in Patent Law

On Friday, September 20, 2024, Patent Pathways’ Board Member Elaine Spector participated in a pivotal discussion at the Innovator Diversity Pilots Conference, held at Emory University’s School of Law. The conference, hosted in the esteemed Tull Auditorium, brought together a range of voices dedicated to fostering inclusion in the intellectual property and innovation ecosystem. Elaine was joined by Braxton Davis, Senior Patent Counsel at Meta, in a conversation that highlighted the challenges facing underrepresented groups in patent law and the importance of programs designed to address these disparities.

Breaking Barriers in Patent Law

Patent law remains a field where many individuals from historically marginalized groups—especially women, people of color, and those from lower-income backgrounds—face substantial barriers to entry. The path to becoming a patent practitioner can be daunting, not due to a lack of talent or ambition, but due to structural barriers such as financial constraints, a lack of mentorship, and limited awareness of the career pathways available in this field. As a result, the innovation ecosystem misses out on a wealth of ideas and perspectives, perpetuating an “innovation gap” that limits the diverse contributions crucial for groundbreaking advancements.

This gap is particularly concerning given that innovation thrives on diverse perspectives. Without the inclusion of voices from underrepresented groups, the field of intellectual property loses out on fresh ideas and solutions that could drive meaningful progress in technology and beyond.

How Patent Pathways is Driving Change

To address these challenges, programs like Patent Pathways play a vital role. By offering free, virtual education, practical training, one-on-one mentorship, and financial support, Patent Pathways is dedicated to breaking down the barriers that often prevent underrepresented individuals with STEM degrees from pursuing careers in patent law. These resources provide aspiring patent professionals the tools they need to take and pass the patent bar exam, positioning them for success in a highly specialized field.

This kind of support is more than just educational—it’s transformational. By building a network of mentors, offering hands-on experience, and providing financial assistance, Patent Pathways is not just creating opportunities for individuals, but also fostering a more inclusive and innovative patent law landscape.

How You Can Help

The conversation at the Innovator Diversity Pilots Conference underscores the need for active participation in fostering diversity in patent law. Patent Pathways is committed to being part of the solution, but our impact can be greater with the support of volunteers, partners, sponsors, and participants.

Here’s how you can get involved:

Volunteer: Offer your expertise as a mentor to aspiring patent agents and attorneys. Your guidance can be instrumental in helping them navigate the patent bar exam and their subsequent careers in the field.
Partner: If you represent a corporation, law firm, or educational institution, consider partnering with Patent Pathways to provide additional resources such as internships, pro bono support, or financial contributions to help our participants succeed.
Sponsor: Your sponsorship can make a real difference in the lives of aspiring patent practitioners by covering essential costs such as exam fees, study materials, and other program-related expenses.
Participate: If you’re a STEM graduate from an underrepresented community interested in patent law, we encourage you to join our next cohort. You’ll have access to educational resources, mentorship, and financial assistance designed to help you take the next step in your career.

Building a More Inclusive Future in Patent Law

Innovator Diversity Pilots Conference made one thing clear: diversity in patent law is not just about fairness; it’s about the future of innovation. By creating pathways for underrepresented individuals to enter the field, we open the door to new ideas, unique perspectives, and innovations that benefit us all.

At Patent Pathways, we believe that while talent is equally distributed, opportunity is not. But with the right resources, guidance, and support, we can change that.

Take action today! Whether you’re an individual looking to mentor or a company wanting to create lasting change, Patent Pathways offers meaningful ways to get involved. Visit Patent Pathways to learn more about how you can support our mission to make patent law more inclusive and accessible.

Together, we can close the innovation gap and build a more diverse and dynamic future for patent law. Let’s create change—one pathway at a time.

JOIN A PATENT PATHWAYS COMMITTEE
BECOME A MENTOR
BECOME A LAW FIRM PARTNER
BECOME A CORPORATE SPONSOR
APPLY TO PARTICIPATE IN PATENT PATHWAYS

Building Meaningful Relationships on LinkedIn and Beyond

In today’s fast-paced, digital-first world, LinkedIn has evolved beyond just a networking platform. It has become an essential tool for building lasting, meaningful relationships that extend far beyond the virtual space. Especially for underrepresented innovators and entrepreneurs, LinkedIn provides an incredible opportunity to connect with industry leaders, mentors, and peers who can support your journey in the patent process and entrepreneurial endeavors.

In our latest Patent Pathways® session, Harrity’s John Harrity & Elaine Spector join us to teach how you can leverage LinkedIn to build authentic, long-term relationships that matter.

1. Lead with Value, Not Self-Promotion
The first rule of building meaningful relationships is to provide value before asking for anything in return. Whether it’s sharing insightful content, offering advice, or commenting on someone’s post with thoughtful feedback, leading with value shows that you are genuinely interested in contributing to the conversation.

Start by identifying what you can offer to others, whether it’s knowledge from your field, feedback on a project, or even offering to make connections. Building relationships is not about instant results—it’s about laying a foundation of trust and reciprocity.

2. Personalize Your Connections
One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to build relationships on LinkedIn is sending generic connection requests. Take a moment to write a personalized message that explains why you want to connect and how you admire the person’s work or accomplishments.

This small step can make a huge difference in standing out from the hundreds of other requests professionals receive. Show that you’ve done your homework and have a genuine interest in who they are and what they do. It’s the beginning of a relationship, so start strong with a personal touch.

3. Engage Consistently, Not Just When You Need Something
Building relationships isn’t a one-time effort. It requires consistent engagement and nurturing over time. Comment on posts, share insightful articles, and celebrate your connections’ successes. Regular interactions help you stay top-of-mind and show that you’re genuinely invested in the relationship.

Being visible through consistent engagement also allows people to get familiar with your personal brand and expertise. When the time comes that you need advice or assistance, it won’t feel like you’re only reaching out for a favor.

4. Offer Support to Build Trust
One of the most powerful ways to foster long-term relationships is by offering your support, especially to those navigating complex processes like patents. Offer to make introductions, share resources, or give feedback on an idea or project.

When people feel supported, they are more likely to trust you and be open to building a relationship. In the world of patents and entrepreneurship, having a network of people you trust can lead to invaluable opportunities, collaborations, and insights.

5. Take Relationships Offline
While LinkedIn is a fantastic platform for initial introductions, meaningful relationships often flourish when they extend beyond the virtual world. Don’t hesitate to suggest a coffee chat, video call, or meeting at a networking event. These real-world interactions can cement connections and make you more memorable.

Relationships are built on trust and shared experiences, which are more easily formed in person or during direct communication. Whether it’s through a Zoom call or an in-person event, take the initiative to deepen your relationships beyond LinkedIn.

6. Be Authentic
At the core of every meaningful relationship is authenticity. People appreciate realness. Don’t try to be someone you’re not or overinflate your accomplishments. Be open about your journey, challenges, and ambitions. The more genuine you are, the more likely people are to connect with you on a deeper level.

In the innovation and patent world, authenticity is key. Whether you’re an entrepreneur pitching a new idea or an inventor seeking guidance, showing your true self will attract the right kind of people who align with your values and vision.

7. Stay in Touch and Follow Up
Building a relationship is just the beginning—maintaining it is the challenge. Follow up periodically with connections you’ve made, and keep them updated on your journey. Whether it’s a quick message to check in, or sharing a relevant article, staying in touch ensures the relationship doesn’t fade.

If you’ve had a meaningful conversation or received valuable advice, take the time to follow up with a thank-you message. These small actions build goodwill and solidify your relationships for the long term.

Beyond LinkedIn: Taking Relationship Building to the Next Level
While LinkedIn is a powerful tool, it’s just one part of the relationship-building equation. Joining industry groups, attending conferences, and participating in mentorship programs are also great ways to expand your network and nurture meaningful connections.

For underrepresented inventors and entrepreneurs, Patent Pathways® offers an incredible community of support. We not only guide you through the patent process but also help you build relationships that can lead to funding, mentorship, and new opportunities.

Building meaningful relationships takes time and effort, but the rewards are priceless. By investing in your network, leading with value, and being authentic, you can create a community of support that will not only help you achieve your goals but also open doors you never thought possible.

Stay connected, stay curious, and always look for ways to build bridges that go beyond the digital world.

Watch the full webinar here:

Ready to Build Your Network?

Join us at Patent Pathways®, where we empower underrepresented innovators with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to navigate the patent process successfully. Let’s build meaningful relationships that lead to lasting innovation.

Get involved below!

JOIN A PATENT PATHWAYS COMMITTEE
BECOME A MENTOR
BECOME A LAW FIRM PARTNER
BECOME A CORPORATE SPONSOR
APPLY TO PARTICIPATE IN PATENT PATHWAYS

Increasing Diversity in the Patent Field