Celebrating Sabrina Contreras: Patent Bar Success

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Celebrating Sabrina Contreras: Patent Bar Success

Patent Pathways® is proud to celebrate our June 2025 participant Sabrina Contreras, who has officially passed the patent bar exam. Sabrina’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when determination meets access, mentorship, and a strong support system.

Sabrina earned her degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Irvine, and is now actively pursuing opportunities as a patent agent. Like many aspiring patent professionals, her path wasn’t always easy, but through the encouragement and empowerment of the Patent Pathways® community, she’s taken the next big step in a promising patent career.

In reflection, Sabrina shared:

“I am incredibly grateful for my experience with Patent Pathways® and for all of the mentors I met through the program. Being part of such an uplifting community that encourages and celebrates us, while also providing the resources to excel on the patent bar, is truly special. The journey was not always smooth, but having the support system Patent Pathways® provided made a huge difference and helped motivate me to keep going, even during moments when I wanted to give up.”

At Patent Pathways®, we know that success with the patent bar takes more than just studying. The process can be a long one, and takes encouragement, guidance, and access to the right resources at the right time. Sabrina’s achievement reflects her resilience and hard work, as well as the impact of a community committed to breaking barriers and opening doors into patent law.

We are excited to see what’s next for her and look forward to supporting her as she continues building her career as a patent agent. Congratulations, Sabrina!

If you’d like to help make a difference in someone’s patent career journey, visit patentpathways.org and volunteer today.

Shilpi Verghese Passes the Patent Bar – A Milestone on Her Pathway into Patent Law

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Shilpi Verghese Passes the Patent Bar – A Milestone on Her Pathway into Patent Law

We’re thrilled to celebrate the exciting achievement of one of our Patent Pathways® participants, Shilpi Verghese, who has passed the patent bar exam!

Shilpi’s journey into patent law is rooted in a strong academic and scientific background. She holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Dayton, as well as a MSc in Biotechnology from BIMR & College of Life Sciences (India) and a BSc in Biotechnology from Loyola Academy (India). Currently, she applies her expertise as an Associate Scientist in the Department of Biology at Emory University.

Transitioning from a research role to a future in patent law is no small feat. But with dedication, strategic preparation, and the right support system, Shilpi is taking bold steps to make it a reality. She credits the Patent Pathways® program for playing a key role in this transformation.

“Patent Pathways played a critical role in my journey to passing the patent bar by providing structured guidance, mentorship, and a supportive community. As a scientist transitioning into intellectual property, the program helped me understand not just the exam, but the profession itself. I’m deeply grateful for the encouragement and resources that helped make this milestone possible. I’m truly grateful for the support and excited for what lies ahead.”

We are incredibly proud of Shilpi’s hard work, perseverance, and commitment to breaking barriers in the patent field. Her success is a testament to why we do this program, the power of opportunity, and the impact of a supportive community.

Congratulations, Shilpi — we can’t wait to see the contributions you’ll make in the world of patent law!

Learn more about how Patent Pathways® supports aspiring patent professionals at www.patentpathways.org.

Breaking Barriers: Melissa B. White Passes the Patent Bar Through Patent Pathways

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We are thrilled to celebrate a major milestone for one of our outstanding Patent Pathways® alumni: Melissa B. White has officially passed the patent bar and is now a Registered Patent Attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)!

Melissa is a proud graduate of Oakwood University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. She went on to receive her Juris Doctor from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. She is a practicing licensed attorney in the State of Georgia and is actively seeking opportunities to grow her career as a patent attorney.

Throughout her journey, Melissa has remained passionate about encouraging others to explore careers in patent law and the legal profession more broadly. She continues to give back by supporting and uplifting aspiring professionals in the field.

Reflecting on her experience, Melissa shared:

“My participation in Patent Pathways was and continues to be an invaluable experience. The program agenda covered many aspects of the patent profession in a way that was informative and encouraging. It is not hard to identify the most impactful feature of the program. Interacting with the founders, presenters, mentors, and fellow cohorts of the program across multiple formats is its core strength. The professional relationships cultivated during the program remain and industry relationships continue to develop. I am grateful to Patent Pathways’ invaluable mentorship and support, which significantly contributed to my journey to Patent Bar success.”

Melissa’s success is a reminder of what can happen when opportunity, preparation, and perseverance meet. At Patent Pathways®, we are honored to be a part of her journey and can’t wait to see where her career takes her next.

Congratulations, Melissa! Your story is an inspiration to all those seeking to break into the patent profession.

Learn more about how Patent Pathways® supports aspiring patent professionals at www.patentpathways.org.

Breaking Barriers: Nimmy Passes the Patent Bar Through Patent Pathways

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We’re excited to celebrate a major milestone—Nimmy (Mammoottil) Trietsch, Ph.D., has officially passed the patent bar!

With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Dallas, Nimmy came to Patent Pathways ready to explore how her STEM background could translate into a meaningful career in patent law. Throughout the program, she gained a comprehensive understanding of the field, along with the tools, mentorship, and support needed to succeed.

“Patent Pathways not only introduced me to patent law but also provided a holistic view of the profession and comprehensive guidance throughout my journey. This accomplishment highlights the program’s transformative influence and truly empowering support.” — Nimmy

Nimmy’s success represents the heart of our mission—to open doors for talented individuals with STEM degrees and provide real access to careers in patent law.

Congratulations, Nimmy! We’re proud to be part of your journey and can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes you.

Learn more about how Patent Pathways® supports aspiring patent professionals at www.patentpathways.org.

Building Pathways to Success: How Dinsmore & Shohl LLP Supports the Next Generation of Patent Professionals

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At the crossroads of engineering and law, Ritu Singh’s career is a powerful example of how diverse backgrounds can shape and elevate the patent field. After earning a degree in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University and early career experience as an engineer, Ritu discovered a passion for patent law. She saw the potential to contribute meaningfully to this field and decided to pursue law school, despite starting with little knowledge of the field. 

Today, as a Partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, she brings a unique perspective, merging her technical expertise with legal acumen to protect groundbreaking ideas. Ritu has also championed her firm’s partnership with the nonprofit Patent Pathways®, a program dedicated to breaking barriers in the patent profession by fostering accessibility through free, virtual training and financial support to take and pass the patent bar. 

Dinsmore’s Dedication to Accessibility and Inclusion

Dinsmore & Shohl LLP’s partnership with Patent Pathways® is more than just a commitment; it’s a call to action. The firm’s efforts to support underrepresented talent in the patent field directly reflect its core values of inclusion and opportunity.

“Patent Pathways® doesn’t just address the problem; it offers a solution,” Ritu shared. By equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to excel, the program builds a talent pipeline that is reshaping the future of the patent field. For firms like Dinsmore, this collaboration creates a win-win opportunity to advance accessibility while building expertise within their teams.

Dinsmore proved this by hiring Chante Campbell, a Technical Specialist with a Masters degree in Chemistry and a 2024 Patent Pathways® program participant. Through the program’s resume portal, the firm was able to access a pool of qualified, diverse candidates and connect with Chante, whose skills and potential aligned perfectly with their needs.

 

Turning Opportunity into Action: Chante’s Success Story

Chante joined Patent Pathways® to explore a career in patent law. Thanks to the foundational knowledge, practical exercises, and mentorship she received, she gained the skills and confidence needed to begin her career. In her current role at Dinsmore, Chante applies her technical expertise to drafting patent applications, conducting prior art research, and assisting with prosecution strategies. The firm is building on the skills Chante developed in the program by immersing her in hands-on, real-world projects and providing ongoing mentorship.

Ritu shared her positive experience working with Chante, highlighting her growth and enthusiasm since joining the firm. “I’ve had a great experience just working with her, seeing her grow,” Ritu said. While Chante primarily works in the chemical space, Ritu noted that her colleagues who work closely with Chante have nothing but praise for her. “They all have great things to say about her, and she’s so excited, enthusiastic,” Ritu added. “She’s a go-getter.”

For Ritu, supporting Chante in her journey has been incredibly rewarding. “It’s been really just wonderful to be there for her, to answer any questions she has, and really to support her,” Ritu said, underscoring the importance of the partnership between firms like Dinsmore and Patent Pathways® when it comes to training the next generation of patent professionals.

 

Driving Awareness and Creating Change

For Ritu, the most powerful aspect of Patent Pathways® is its ability to address a fundamental gap in the field. “It stems back to awareness,” she says, emphasizing how the program introduces patent law as a viable and exciting career option for underrepresented groups. By creating exposure and providing support, Patent Pathways® is helping to reshape the innovation ecosystem, empowering a broader range of voices to contribute to the future of technology and invention.

The long-term vision of the program is equally inspiring. As Ritu notes, “Seeing how these programs are tracking progress and building that pipeline is exciting.” The program’s efforts to continuously expand its reach demonstrate its commitment to lasting change. Through partnerships like that between Dinsmore and Patent Pathways®, the patent field is becoming a space where talent and ideas flourish, regardless of background.

Join the Movement

Ritu and Chante’s experiences through Patent Pathways® showcase the incredible impact of collaboration. By addressing barriers to entry and providing real solutions, the program and its partners are helping to redefine what’s possible in patent law—and beyond.

Are you ready to be part of this transformative journey? Visit www.patentpathways.org to learn more about how you can support accessibility, innovation, and opportunity in the patent field. Together, we can build a future where everyone has the chance to contribute to the innovations that shape our world.

#PatentPathways #DiversityInSTEM #InnovationForAll #InclusionMatters #STEMtoLaw

Breaking Barriers in Patent Law: How Chante Campbell Found Her Path Through Patent Pathways®

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In this installment of our Patent Pathways® Supporter Spotlight, we’re excited to share the inspiring journey of Chante Campbell, a chemist from Detroit who found her passion in patent law thanks to one of our program’s respected partners. 

Chante earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Chemistry from Howard University. Early in her career, she realized her work had become repetitive, prompting her to seek a more fulfilling path. She returned to school for a Master’s degree to gain confidence and clarity about her future. While discussing options with her professor and mentor, she first learned about patent law—a field that immediately intrigued her. With her mentor’s encouragement, Chante discovered Patent Pathways®, enrolled in the program, and began a transformative journey, which led her to her current position at Dinsmore & Shohl, one of Patent Pathways®’ valuable partner law firms.

Reflecting on her experience, Chante describes it as a “full crash course.” She shares, “I credit Patent Pathways® for so much of my accomplishments in the past year and a half.” The program, she says, “Opened me up to a whole new world of possibilities, a whole new career.”

Chante highlights the program’s robust training, which includes hands-on patent prosecution experience and valuable mentorship opportunities. She praises Patent Pathways®’ connections with leading organizations like Practising Law Institute (PLI) and its exceptional instructors. These resources helped her progress significantly, increasing her patent law knowledge from 40% at the start to 80% by the end of the program.

Mock interview events also played a key role in preparing Chante for the job market. Thanks to her newfound confidence and skills, she received a job offer from Dinsmore & Shohl, a national firm that came across Chante through Patent Pathways®’ resume portal.

When asked about her favorite aspect of working in patent law, Chante says it’s all about “Figuring out the inventions.” She also underscores the importance of the program’s mission: “It’s exposing the underrepresented community.” She sees Patent Pathways® as a program that helps individuals maximize their talents and unlock their potential.

Chante’s advice for those considering the program is simple yet powerful: “Go for it. Be ready to study!”

Her story is a testament to the power of mentorship, education, and determination. Programs like Patent Pathways® are not just about career development but about opening doors and creating opportunities for determined individuals in STEM. Chante’s journey also highlights the significance of our law firm partners like Dinsmore & Shohl, who create valuable opportunities for participants to take the next steps into a real career in patent law.

You can watch Chante’s full interview with Patent Pathways®’ secretary, Richard Watkins, below. 

To learn more about Patent Pathways® and how it can help you embark on a career in patent law, visit www.patentpathways.org.

#InspiringInnovation #PatentLaw #STEMCareers #MentorshipMatters #PatentPathways

Event Spotlight: Patent Pathways® “Meet the Participants”

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On December 4, 2024, the Patent Pathways® program hosted its “Meet the Participants” mock interview event, bringing together 16 law firm partners and 13 participants for a night filled with meaningful connections and invaluable feedback.

The evening began with opening remarks from Elaine Spector, a Patent Pathways® board member, who set the stage for a dynamic and supportive environment. Volunteers engaged participants in three rounds of interviews, followed by constructive feedback to refine their skills.

The feedback from interviewers was overwhelmingly positive. One volunteer remarked, “The Patent Pathways® event has been great so far. Really enjoyed meeting with our first candidate.” Another praised the participants, stating, “They were all amazing candidates—I’m glad you didn’t ask us to rank them because they were all exceptional in their own way. The future looks bright!”

This event exemplifies Patent Pathways®’ mission to create opportunities for underrepresented individuals in the patent profession. From no-cost patent bar prep to mentorship and skills training, the program is committed to breaking down barriers and building bridges for aspiring patent professionals.

Thank you to our law firm partners and volunteers for making this event possible. Together, we are shaping the future of patent law—one participant at a time.

Want to get involved? Explore opportunities to mentor or volunteer below!

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

 

Building Bridges: How Patent Pathways® is Shaping a Diverse IP Future

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In a recent episode of the Knobbe IP+ podcast, Elaine Spector, Partner at Harrity & Harrity and advisory board member of Patent Pathways®, joined Terra Davis, Chief Diversity & Talent Development Officer at Knobbe Martens, for a powerful conversation about increasing diversity in the patent profession.

The discussion highlighted how Patent Pathways®, a program initiated by Harrity & Harrity, is addressing the lack of diversity in the intellectual property field. By creating a pipeline of diverse candidates, the initiative provides under-represented groups with resources such as education, mentorship, and financial support for the patent bar exam. The ultimate goal? To ensure the patent profession reflects the demographics of society at large.

Elaine shared how the program leverages data to identify diversity gaps and collaborates with law firms and corporate sponsors to offer participants comprehensive support. This includes mentorship, financial assistance, and hiring opportunities. Since its inception, Patent Pathways has grown significantly—now supporting 75 participants in its third year—and aims to continue expanding until the term “under-represented” no longer applies in the patent field.

The conversation also addressed how programs like Patent Pathways® are helping to combat the challenges of a shrinking profession by increasing the number of patent agents and attorneys entering the field.

If you’re passionate about fostering a more inclusive IP profession, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how you or your organization can partner with Patent Pathways®, contribute financial support, or engage in its impactful committee work.

Catch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform and learn more about Knobbe IP + Podcast here.

Join us at Patent Pathways®, where we empower individuals 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

 

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