Imagine a future where innovation knows no boundaries—where groundbreaking ideas emerge from every corner of society, regardless of race, gender, or economic background. This isn't just a dream; it's the bold vision driving the Council for Inclusive Innovation, or CI2. Fresh on the scene and launched by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, CI2 is spearheading a revolution in how we approach creativity and invention from historically underrepresented and under-resourced communities.

Join us as we explore the heart of CI2's mission with our special guest, Louis Boston, associate counsel for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the acting director of CI2. Louis's impressive career is marked by a dedication to expanding American innovation through diversity. He also serves as the USPTO’s Senior Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer.

He is a graduate of the Washington College of Law and a former Student Bar Association President. Louis earned an LL.M. with a specialty in contract and fiscal law from the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School. He received his B.A. in political science from The Johns Hopkins University.

Commissioned through a four-year ROTC scholarship, Louis received an education delay to attend law school. After completing law school, he served nearly 12 years in the U.S. Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Louis is a decorated Iraq combat veteran and received numerous awards and decorations including the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

Listen in as Louis shares the mission of CI2, and the exciting initiatives underway to ensure that every American has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from innovation.

In This Episode:

[02:37] CI2, pronounced CI squared, is charged for strategizing new ways to expand American innovation by tapping into the strength of our nation's diversity and increasing opportunities for all Americans to participate.

[03:44] Louis explains the 2018 Success Act that had a report for Congress that identified the representation of under-represented groups in the patent system. They recommended a creation of a high-level Council of Industry tasked with increasing the amount of underrepresented groups involved with innovation.

[05:00] CI2 strategies includes seven initiatives including the Diversity Innovation Platform. The DI platform is a free easy to use tool that shares diversity data within an innovation ecosystem.

[06:22] There's also an innovation intern program. They also have a first-time filer expedited examination program.

[08:04] Louis talks about the community outreach campaign.

[09:59] The role of partnerships CI2 includes representatives from a variety of different sectors including private industry, non-profit organizations, academia, and federal agencies.

[11:42] Advice for universities looking to engage with CI2 or other initiatives. 

[12:53] Louis shares ways where everybody can get involved in your own community to help the initiative.

[13:51] The Patent Practitioners Pro Bono Program builds on the work of the Biden Administration to open the doors to innovation across the country. Meeting people where they are is key to expanding participation in the ecosystem.

[17:42] Louis looks into the future and shares long-term goals for CI2 and how he sees the council of all being in the coming years.

[19:03] Actionable steps to foster innovation. We need to get the word out and share how IP is relevant in our daily lives.

Thank you Scorpius BioManufacturing for sponsoring this episode of AUTM on the Air. Learn more at: scorpiusbiologics.com

Resources: 

Council for Inclusive Innovation (CI2)

[email protected]

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