USPTO Celebrates World IP Day and Digital Creativity
Guest blog by Russ Slifer, Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the USPTO
Last week, the USPTO celebrated World IP Day in the Washington, D.C. region, across the country, and abroad. World IP Day was established in 1999 by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to celebrate the important role of intellectual property (IP) and the contributions made by creators and innovators around the globe. We had a lot of fun with this year’s theme, “Digital Creativity: Culture Reimagined.” We chose to highlight the importance of the video gaming industry, its exponential growth, and impact on our daily lives.
On April 26, the USPTO hosted the “Legend of World IP Day,” in Alexandria, Va., an event focused on the history of IP and creativity in the video game industry. Video game curator and patent holder Chris Melissinos discussed how video games have rapidly evolved, been commercialized, and have become ingrained in our culture during his keynote remarks. Watch the recorded livestream of the event, and watch our USPTO video which goes behind the scenes on IP and the history of the video games.
I spoke on Capitol Hill on April 26 at the World IP day event, “Digital Creativity: Culture Reimagined,” where I discussed the importance of digital creativity, the USPTO’s progress on copyright treaties, and the importance of ensuring that our copyright system and laws keep up with the digital age. Read my remarks.
The White House also recognized World IP Day, with President Obama issuing a commemoration of World IP Day, stating: “Whether through the music or movies that inspire us, the literature that moves us, or the technologies we rely on each day, ingenuity and innovation serve as the foundations upon which we will continue to grow our economies and bridge our cultural identities.” The President even tweeted his favorite movie, song, and invention. Others posted their list of favorite American innovations and creative works using the hashtag #AmericaCreates.
Our USPTO regional offices held events to celebrate World IP day across the country. On April 20, the Midwest Regional Office held a World IP day event in Detroit recognizing local students for their innovations and contributions to their community. The West Coast Regional Office in Silicon Valley held several World IP events, including a gathering of the Bay area intellectual property community on April 21, featuring the Honorable Sam Liccardo, mayor of San Jose. The Rocky Mountain Regional Office held “The Evolution of Cultural Expression through Digital Creativity” on April 25, focusing on Native American culture, as well as a Lunch and Learn with startups and entrepreneurs on April 26. And on April 27, the Texas Regional Office hosted a World IP Day exposition in Dallas, where business, legal, academic, and federal experts provided attendees tips on protecting their IP, developing technologies, and building their businesses. See our Facebook photo album of World IP day highlights.
Finally, USPTO IP Attachés participated in World IP Day events around the world with U.S. Embassies, consulates, and the American Chamber of Commerce, including roundtable discussions in China and Thailand, events in Mexico and Qatar, a film screening and discussion in Singapore, and cyber working group meetings in the Ukraine.
The USPTO is focused on safeguarding the rights of creators of all types and supporting an ecosystem where innovation can flourish. We are honored – not only on World IP Day, but every day – to do our part to support creators, innovators and entrepreneurs as they define their ideas in the form of patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
Posted at 10:14AM May 05, 2016 in USPTO |