A four-person panel, headed by a representative of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, will explore the gender gap in invention and intellectual property on Thursday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m., in the Kelly Family Auditorium in the Science Center.
The discussion will address whether there are fewer female inventors or if they are simply not getting credit for their inventions, while also identifying steps women should be taking to protect their inventions, brands and intellectual property.
In the keynote address, Mindy Bickel, associate commissioner for Innovative Development in the patent and trademark office in Washington, D.C. will address the rights of women in inventions and trademarks and also describe outreach program developed by her office to encourage women to invent and also take credit for their inventions.
The Office of Innovation Development ensures that independent inventors, small businesses, entrepreneurs, university inventors and minority and underserved populations better understand, secure and use intellectual property. Ms. Bickel has coordinated and conducted university outreach and partnership efforts for the patent and trademark office since 2007.
Jeffry Iovannone, visiting professor and coordinator of the Women’s and Gender Studies Program, will examine theories underlying the lack of participation in intellectual property protection by women in today’s culture.
Also joining the discussion will be Stuart Shapiro, assistant professor in the Department of Applied Professional Studies, who will speak on legal issues concerning work for hire. Ellen Simpson, a trademark attorney, and Robert Simpson, a patent attorney, will outline their experience in protecting the intellectual rights of women inventors and women-owned businesses in Western New York.
The program, free and open to the public, is co-sponsored by the Department of Applied Professional Studies, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Women's Student Union.
