Harrity & Harrity is excited to launch Patent Pathways, a Diversity & Inclusion Program dedicated to increasing numbers of registered patent attorneys and patent agents within the least-represented demographics and improving awareness of patent career opportunities for engineers in underrepresented demographics. The first iteration of the Patent Pathways program will focus on African-American/Black women and is set to launch in early 2022.

The Problem:

The estimated number of registered patent practitioners that are racially diverse women is 1,070 out of a total of 48,628 registered patent practitioners.*

The Goal:

Provide participants with an introduction to patent law and a pathway toward a career in patent law. The pathway includes mentorship, tools to assist taking and passing the patent bar, multiple phases of patent preparation and prosecution training, scholarships, internships, and assistance with career development.

Patent Pathways aims to register 20 African-American/Black women with the patent bar in the first year through this free program. All patent bar expenses will be paid for each participant.

Interested in participating in Patent Pathways? We will begin selecting participants for the program, which will begin in early 2022, in the near future. Please click below to receive updates regarding the program application process.

If you would like to receive more information about becoming a partner, contribute to this program, or volunteer your time, please contact Elaine Spector, Partner at Harrity & Harrity, at 703.259.1056 or espector@harrityllp.com. You can also support this program by sharing this information with your professional network.