USPTO to Host Clean Technology Partnership Meeting

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will host its first Clean Technology Partnership Meeting on Wednesday, April 27th to bring clean technology stakeholders together to share ideas, experiences and insights and provide a forum for discussion on how the USPTO can improve and expand on its clean technology programs. The meeting will be held at USPTO Headquarters in Alexandria, Va., from 1:00-5:00 p.m.

“Green technology innovations can help us protect our environment and improve our planet, and every day that an important new clean tech innovation is held back from the market represents a lost opportunity to create 21st century jobs and businesses,” Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO David Kappos said. “The feedback clean tech stakeholders provide is essential in our efforts to continuously improve the quality of our programs and services.”

Clean technology includes products and services that improve operational performance, productivity or efficiency while reducing costs, inputs, energy consumption, waste or pollution. Alternative energy sources, water and gas purification and soil remediation, as well as other technologies centered on increasing energy efficiency and non-toxic production incorporate clean technology.

Leading industry experts will provide an overview of the clean technology landscape, addressing the importance of regional accelerators, giving an update on clean tech patents, and highlighting the benefits of the USPTO’s Green Technology Pilot Program.

The forum, moderated by J. Steven Rutt of Foley & Lardner, will feature remarks by:

• Bruce Kisliuk, Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Patents, Mechanical Disciplines, USPTO
• Jacqueline Stone, Group Director TC 1600, USPTO
• Neil Feltham, Senior Patent Counsel, DuPont
• William S. Elias, General Counsel, UChicago Argonne, LLC
• Mike Nelson, Chief Technology Officer, NanoInk, Inc.
• Alan Brown, Executive Director, Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Center

Since taking office, the Obama Administration has worked to ensure a cleaner, safer and more secure energy future – one that ultimately breaks our dependence on foreign oil and moves our nation toward a clean energy economy that creates jobs and keeps America competitive. We’re already making progress toward this goal by producing more oil in America, establishing ground-breaking fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks, and committing to historic investments in electric vehicles and advanced batteries to ensure that high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles are built right here in America.

To confirm your attendance, please RSVP by e-mail to [email protected] or by telephone to Jill Warden at (571) 272-1267. Space is limited. If it becomes necessary to restrict the number of attendees, it will be done on a first-come, first-served basis.