LOT Network launches IP diversity initiative
Not-for-profit group to tackle diversity gaps in patent teams | Scheme formed in partnership with big names such as Amazon, Google and Microsoft.
LOT Network, a non-profit which works to counter litigation by non-practising entities or so-called ‘patent trolls’, has launched a new initiative aimed at addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues in the IP industry.
The new initiative—Advancing Diversity Across Patent Teams (ADAPT)—has been formed in partnership with LOT Network members Amazon, Cruise, The Walt Disney Company, Google, Meta, and Microsoft.
While the project will focus initially on the patent industry, it plans to broaden its mission to other areas of IP in the future.
Mike Lee, head of patents at Google, said: “The IP profession has a duty to meaningfully represent experiences and viewpoints as diverse as the society in which we live. This is what brings out the best in us and is the right thing to do.”
Core aims
ADAPT’s core mission has three pillars. First, the initiative will provide a database with how-to guides on running DEI programmes and a directory of volunteer and sponsorship activities of DEI organisations.
Second, ADAPT will prepare underrepresented IP professionals for success with its mentorship programme.
Third, the initiative hopes to share knowledge and democratise DEI analytics as an industry via a technology platform.
Burton Davis, vice president and deputy general counsel of the IP group at Microsoft, said: “ADAPT is formed around a set of key actions for participating organisations, including broadly sharing DEI resources, mentorship, data, and knowledge.
“Establishing a set of shared priorities will help deliver more meaningful progress, faster.”
ADAPT will officially launch on September 28, 2022, at the annual LOT Network BRIDGE member meeting in San Francisco, California.
Diversity gaps
A 2020 report from the American Bar Association—“ Diversity in Patent Law: A Data Analysis of Diversity in the Patent Practice by Technology Background and Region”—found that only 22% of registered patent attorneys and patent agents are women.
According to the report, 6.5% of registered patent attorneys and patent agents are racially diverse and just 1.7% of registered patent attorneys and patent agents are racially diverse women.
“Great talent and people exist everywhere, but too often opportunity does not,” said Olivia Tsai, assistant general counsel and head of IP at Cruise.
“We have to be deliberate in finding, welcoming, including, and recognising those from underrepresented groups who make us stronger and better.”
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