2023 Newsletter: April-June

June 30, 2023

New Invention Competition Seeking Sponsors to Support Student Inventors

IPO Education Foundation is seeking sponsors to support the mission of educating the public about the value of IP through programs like “Why Didn’t I Think of That?”. A new invention competition, “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” provides student inventors an opportunity to learn about IP strategy to further their inventions. This program is in partnership with the California, Connecticut, and Ohio Invention Convention programs which reach over 35,000 students! Sponsors receive recognition in a communication campaign highlighting student inventors on social media, through press releases, and more to demonstrate the value of intellectual property protection. Contact Foundation Deputy Executive Director Kristen Lurye, klurye@ipo.org, to learn more about how to support this program and IPO Education Foundation.

Why Sponsor?

  • Support young inventors
  • Promote the value of IP
  • Increase brand awareness
  • Make a tax deductible donation

Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity

IPO Members Volunteered for World IP Day Event in Texas
IPO Education Foundation sponsored a World IP Day event Friday, May 19 with WE WILL. The Houston-based organization is dedicated to empowering women in life and law. IPO members volunteered and met with area high school students to talk about careers in IP and innovation, “A significant majority of the young women in the Junior class at Houston Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy expressed they did not think a career in law was in their future based on their desire to pursue STEM degrees,” said Carlyn Burton (Osha Bergman Watanabe & Burton LLP). “Being able to talk about careers in IP opened their eyes to a career pathway that they did not know existed.” In alignment with IPOEF’s strategic priority, this opportunity with WE WILL allowed IPOEF to connect with a community of color that lacks resources and exposure. Students received a day of one-on-one mentorship as well as information and resources to inspire them to pursue a career in IP.

Board Company Celebrates World IP Day in Tuscarora Indian Nation
Employees from Corning visited the Tuscarora Indian Nation for the second year in a row to celebrate World IP Day. They used IPO Education Foundation’s free IP Patch curriculum to teach 25 5th and 6th grade students about IP in their community. Amy Lang (Corning Inc.) said it was very rewarding to see the excitement on the students’ faces and their hands pop up with questions. The students were particularly interested in trademarks and branding and how IP can be used to make money. One student asked “can I trademark my name for when I get famous?”
Ms. Lang and Foundation board member Anjanette Lecher shared tips for others wanting to teach in their communities:
  • Focus on inspiring the kids and help them to envision themselves in an IP focused career (inventor, patent attorney, asset manager, etc.).
  • Tell your story and where you started and what led you to a career in IP.
  • We believe that in-person engagement with the kids is critical in creating that personal experience and allowing the kids to relate to you.
  • Include a variety of topics when presenting to the kids to keep their focus and attention.
  • IPOEF has fabulous material to teach IP in a kid-friendly and creative way, and best of all it is completely free!
  • And we recommend leaving the kids with memorable “swag” as on-going reminder to the kids of the day and of the lessons they learned. But, of course, keep it fun and remember to be flexible as kids will always keep you on your toes!

IP On My Mind

IPO Education Foundation is on a mission to show why IP is important to students who are developing ideas and how educators can easily bring IP into their classroom. Students and teachers across the country chimed in – here is what they had to say.
Ifeoma and Austin
“Even though a person can’t take away your creativity, they can steal the product of your creativity and people should know that there is a way to protect that,” says Chicago-area 10th grader Austin. He and his classmate, Ifeoma, recently won national attention for their invention to address food deserts. And now they’re thinking about how to protect their idea. Read about Ifeoma and Austin’s story of innovation.
Roxanne Moore
How do we get kids excited about intellectual property? Start with the “bunny slopes”, says Roxanne Moore, with GeorgiaTech. This might be provisional patents and trademarks like branding, logos, and slogans. Read more from Roxanne on how to protect students from looking down the “steep hill” of intellectual property and lead them to more manageable routes.
To hear from additional students and teachers about why IP is on their minds, visit IPOEF.org/iponmymind

Save The Date – Awards Celebration December 6, 2023

Save the Date! IPO Education Foundation will host its annual fundraising awards celebration on December 6 at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. IP professionals from around the world attend this event to celebrate accomplishments in the fields of innovation, creativity, and intellectual property. Tickets and sponsorships support the work of the Foundation to promote innovation and creation by, within, and for underrepresented communities. Additional information including the 2023 honorees to be announced this summer! If you’re interested in learning about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Foundation Deputy Executive Director, Kristen Lurye, klurye@ipo.org.

Thank You Gold Donors!
Visit IPOEF.org to become a donor or to view a full list of IPOEF supporters.