In a significant development for access to intellectual property in underserved areas, the US Patent and Trademark Office has officially designated Tuskegee University and the University of the Virgin Islands as Patent and Trademark Resource Centers. This brings the total number of PTRCs across the country and its territories to 100. These institutions now between seven Historically Black Colleges and Universities carry this designation.
PTRCs play an important role in fostering innovation by providing free resources and assistance to inventors, entrepreneurs and small business owners. They help thousands of people each year learn the intricacies of patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets through dedicated library support, seminars and consultations. Last year, PTRCs helped nearly 6,000 people on their innovation journeys.
The expansion of the PTRC network reflects the USPTO’s commitment to equitable access to intellectual property resources, particularly in communities where entrepreneurship can significantly boost local economies. A 2020 study highlighted that startups that get their first patent can grow their workforce by up to 16 people and increase their sales by $10.6 million within five years.
Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “A 20% increase in the number of PTRCs nationwide in one year—including a sevenfold increase in the number of PTRCs at HBCUs—is a testament to the tremendous economic and social impact that innovation and entrepreneurship can have. and the incredible benefit of PTRCs free assistance to the current and aspiring creator.”
Paving the way
For Tuskegee University, PTRC designation is a possible milestone dedication by graduate Charesse EvansSenior Counsel at the USPTO. “As a patent attorney and intellectual property professional with over two decades of experience, I am incredibly proud to have helped Tuskegee University achieve official designation as a Patent and Trademark Resource Center,” said Evans. “It is an absolute honor to witness my alma mater become an integral part of this important ecosystem.”
Tuskegee University President Dr. Mark A. Brown said the university is proud of its new role. “This appointment is yet another opportunity for the university and its library professionals to support the geniuses in the field and the nation’s commitment to solving problems and creating things that make or make our daily lives easier,” he said.
Both institutions will provide essential resources and training to help aspiring inventors and entrepreneurs navigate the intellectual property system, ultimately leading to greater economic prosperity in their communities.
