2024 AISES National Conference

Director Bonnie Nannenga-Combs spoke on the panel “Making Money From Problem Solving and Patents in Indian Country” at the 2024 AISES National Conference. The panel discussion illuminated the potential for American Indian entrepreneurs – of any age – to harness their intellectual property through the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Patent Pro Bono Program.

The panelist focused on problem-solving and innovation, the role of patenting an invention, the patent application process, and the USPTO Patent Pro Bono Program – all within the context of Indian Country. The Patent Pro Bono Program offers a unified network of regional patent pro bono programs nationwide, providing free legal patent prosecution assistance to under-resourced inventors and entrepreneurs, including those from Tribal Nations and the Native Hawaiian Community. Bonnie was among other panelists who are patent attorneys who have worked with Indigenous inventors, including innovations involving Indigenous Knowledge. Their session also featured one or more exercises that walked participants through the innovation and patent processes, with maximum time for questions and answers.