The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has announced that it will extend its Humanitarian Awards Pilot Program until October 31, 2012. The patent pilot, which was first launched in February, aims to incentivize the distribution of patented technologies to address humanitarian needs.
According to the USPTO, it received a number of requests to extend the deadline for filing applications past August 31. Applicants indicated that they are currently working on qualifying work, which will not be complete before the deadline, or they do not have enough time to complete an application before the deadline.
Unlike previous patent programs, the Humanitarian Awards Pilot Program is an awards competition. Participating patent applicants, patent owners, and licensees must submit program applications describing what actions they have taken with their patented technology to address humanitarian needs among an impoverished population or further research by others on humanitarian technologies.
Independent judges review the program applications, and a selection committee recommends awardees based on these reviews. Awardees will receive a certificate redeemable to accelerate select matters before the USPTO and public recognition for their efforts, including an award ceremony at the USPTO.
How Can We Help?
If you are interested in taking part in the Humanitarian Awards Pilot Program, contact us today by phone or email to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.
At Sheldon Mak & Anderson, we recognize that innovation is your competitive edge - and it needs protection. As a full-service intellectual property firm with more than two decades of experience, we provide local, regional, national, and international legal services in the following areas: patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, IP litigation, international patent and trademark prosecution, licensing, alternative dispute resolution, and green technology.
Contact our knowledgeable intellectual property attorneys today TOLL FREE at 1-855-UR IDEAS (1-855-874-3327) or email us at tri@usip.com to find out how we can provide powerful protection for your unique ideas.
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