26 April 2021
Thank you, Tisha, and hello current and future global players on World Intellectual Property Day. We are honored to have so many entrepreneurs, business owners, and representatives of universities and technology transfer centers with us. You’re here to gain a better understanding of how important modern intellectual property systems are for turning innovative ideas into a global reality.
That part – turning great ideas into reality – can be challenging. You have a new product or a new service. How do you share it with the world and still protect your intellectual property? What mistakes should you avoid? You’ve come to the right place for answers.
Our three guests today will share their wealth of knowledge on how to enter the worldwide market safely. We are joined by:
- The Honorable Bruce Lehman, Former U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce and U.S. Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks,
- Justyna Cięgotura, Technology Transfer and Innovation Expert, and
- Marek Bury, Polish and European Patent Attorney.
These experts will tell you smart IP management isn’t just for big companies. According to the International Chamber of Commerce, SMEs in the tech sector in Europe reported increased turnover, market share, and employment growth when they invested in IP rights. To realize growth and expand beyond Polish borders, there are European and international procedures to consider. IP management plays a crucial role in opening the door to the global marketplace, where endless opportunities exist.
Helen Greiner is just one American innovator who has used intellectual property management to reach worldwide success. She went from working at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to revolutionizing the way we clean. Helen co-founded iRobot and developed the tiny disc-shaped robot vacuum, Roomba. In 30 years, iRobot has accumulated over 1,500 patents worldwide, and sold more than 30 million robots. Managing and protecting intellectual property has been critical to the company’s extraordinary success since its inception.
For advanced economies, like the United States and Poland, innovation combined with entrepreneurship is a wellspring for economic growth. In the United States, we have set the standard for protecting creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs.
We continue to do this in the midst of a global pandemic. In fact, a pilot program is in place at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. It allows patent applicants to jump the line and receive prioritized examinations for a product or process related to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 350 applications have been approved. The pilot program has led to promising breakthroughs, such as rapid testing for the COVID-19 virus.
We look forward to hearing about the breakthroughs that may come out of this discussion today. Good luck and thank you again for joining us. Tisha, the virtual floor is yours.
