Event Spotlight: Patent Pathways “Meet the Participants”

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

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

Increasing Diversity in the Patent Field

Event Spotlight: Patent Pathways “Meet the Participants”

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