Bill Overview
Title: Unleashing American Innovators Act of 2022
Description: This bill modifies the responsibilities of U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) satellite offices, increases the discount on patent-related fees for small and micro entities, and addresses related issues. Specifically, the bill modifies the statutory purpose of PTO satellite offices to include outreach and retention activities targeting underrepresented groups and individuals from economically, geographically, and demographically diverse backgrounds. For each satellite office established after July 1, 2022, the PTO must consider the office's proximity to anchor institutions (e.g., hospitals primarily serving veterans and institutions of higher education) and populations that are underrepresented in patent filings, including women, people of color, and rural populations. The PTO must establish (1) a satellite office in the southeastern United States within three years of this bill's enactment, (2) at least four community outreach offices throughout the United States within five years of this bill's enactment, and (3) a pilot program to help prospective first-time patent applicants assess the likelihood that a potential patent will be issued. The PTO must also (1) conduct and report to Congress a study on patent pro bono programs, including whether such programs are sufficiently serving underrepresented groups; and (2) use the study's findings to update such pro bono programs. In addition to increasing the discount on fees for small and micro entities, the bill also imposes penalties for making a fraudulent certification to obtain the discount, specifically by revoking any patent resulting from an application related to the fraudulent certification.
Sponsors: Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals involved in the patent process, primarily small innovators
Estimated Size: 500000
- The bill impacts individuals seeking patents, particularly those from underrepresented groups such as women, people of color, and residents of rural areas. This is due to improved access and tailored outreach efforts by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).
- The increase in discount on patent fees will directly benefit small and micro entities across the globe, making it easier for innovators with limited resources to obtain patents.
- The bill's mandate for new satellite offices and outreach programs will primarily affect populations in the U.S., particularly in the southeastern U.S., through improved access to patenting resources.
Reasoning
- The Unleashing American Innovators Act is particularly targeted at small innovators, especially those from underrepresented groups. This includes women, people of color, and individuals from rural areas, who may have historically faced barriers to accessing patent resources.
- Given the Act's focus on establishing more satellite and outreach offices, especially in the southeastern United States, it is likely to increase accessibility for innovators in this region.
- The increase in discount on fees for small and micro entities will make patenting more financially accessible, potentially boosting innovation among smaller players who constitute a considerable portion of the American and global innovation landscape.
Simulated Interviews
Biologist (Alabama, USA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I often struggle with the costs of patenting my biotechnological innovations.
- Having a PTO office nearby that caters to underrepresented groups will be beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Patent Attorney (New York, USA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might increase my workload as more clients from underserved areas seek patents.
- Anything that enhances access to patent resources for diverse groups is a positive development.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Engineer (California, USA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about the potential cost reductions and the assessment programs for first-time applicants.
- It's often hard to navigate the patent system as someone with limited resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Software Developer (Texas, USA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy could be a stepping stone for many like me who have innovative ideas but face financial barriers.
- A nearby PTO office and discounts on fees would be great.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired Educator (Georgia, USA)
Age: 58 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Supporting underrepresented groups in patenting is vital for ensuring diverse innovation.
- A new office in the Southeast would be a valuable resource for our community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Entrepreneur (Illinois, USA)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I welcome any changes that reduce costs and barriers.
- The potential for increased support from PTO is encouraging.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Inventor (Florida, USA)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could motivate new innovators through education and easier access.
- I'm interested in how effective the community outreach offices will be.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Textile Designer (North Carolina, USA)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'd like to see how regional resources improve with this policy.
- Access to a patent is critical for protecting my designs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Student (Kentucky, USA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think mentoring and support from new outreach offices will be a game-changer for many.
- The cost reductions for patents after graduation could help me launch my ideas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Agricultural Scientist (South Carolina, USA)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm eager to see support for rural innovators through this initiative.
- The policy addresses key barriers to patenting unique agricultural methods.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 5: $20000000 (Low: $16000000, High: $24000000)
Year 10: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 100: $30000000 (Low: $24000000, High: $36000000)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring adequate funding and staffing for new satellite and outreach offices is crucial for their effective operation.
- Monitoring the potential operational costs against the economic and tax revenue benefits generated will be critical to assessing the policy's long-term financial viability.
- Understanding demographic trends and regional needs will be necessary to maximize the offices' effectiveness in reaching underrepresented groups.