AIPLA Letter in Support for S. 2281, the “Inventor Diversity for Economic Advancement Act (“IDEA”) Act of 2019
September 24, 2019
File Downloads
All documents are in PDF format.
The American Intellectual Property Law Association (“AIPLA”) is pleased to support S. 2281, the “Inventor Diversity for Economic Advancement Act (“IDEA”) Act of 2019. We
appreciate the attention to this important issue and we urge the Committee to move forward
with the legislation.
S. 2281 would require the USPTO to collect certain demographic data from patent applicants on a voluntary basis: gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, military or veteran status, disability, education level attained, and income level. AIPLA agrees with the proponents of the legislation that the collection of this data is important in light of studies that suggest women, racial minorities, and other groups are significantly underrepresented in the patent system. The information collected may then be evaluated and studied and could be useful in developing means and programs to address where the system may not be sufficiently serving inventors in these communities.
AIPLA urges the Members of the Committee on the Judiciary to support this legislation.
appreciate the attention to this important issue and we urge the Committee to move forward
with the legislation.
S. 2281 would require the USPTO to collect certain demographic data from patent applicants on a voluntary basis: gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, military or veteran status, disability, education level attained, and income level. AIPLA agrees with the proponents of the legislation that the collection of this data is important in light of studies that suggest women, racial minorities, and other groups are significantly underrepresented in the patent system. The information collected may then be evaluated and studied and could be useful in developing means and programs to address where the system may not be sufficiently serving inventors in these communities.
AIPLA urges the Members of the Committee on the Judiciary to support this legislation.
Upcoming Events
-
AIPLA 2025 Annual Meeting
October 30 to November 1, 2025
Join us as we bring IP professionals together to learn and connect. More information coming soon! The 2025 Annual meeting will take place at the Westin Washington, DC, Downtown. Leadership Meetings on Wednesday, October 29. Programming scheduled October 30 - November 1. -
2026 Spring Meeting - San Francisco, CA
May 13 to 15, 2026
We’re excited to welcome you to the 2026 AIPLA Spring Meeting, where innovation, technology, and intellectual property come together to shape the future. San Francisco is ready for your ideas, energy, and passion for IP! -
AIPLA 2026 Annual Meeting
October 29 to 31, 2026
Join us as we bring IP professionals together to learn and connect. More information coming soon! The 2026 Annual meeting will take place at the Westin Washington, DC, Downtown. Leadership Meetings on Wednesday, October 28. Programming scheduled October 29 - 31.