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USPTO Collaborating with Smithsonian to Open “Innovation Pavilion”

21-Jan-2013 | Source : | Visits : 8179
WASHINGTON - The US Department of Commerce’s United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Smithsonian Institution have signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the USPTO to support the Smithsonian’s development of an “Innovation Pavilion” that will showcase educational programs and exhibitions about American innovation. According to the USPTO, the pavilion will be housed at the Arts and Industries (A&I) Building in Washington, DC, after the historic building’s re-opening in 2014. It will serve as a forum for public discussions, symposiums, workshops, and recognition ceremonies related to American innovation, highlighting the vital role patents play in supporting that innovation. Also, the USPTO and the Smithsonian will partner in hosting an Innovation Expo on June 20-22, 2013, at the USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.

USPTO will advance its mission of educating the public about the importance of intellectual property rights and protections with both the Innovation Expo and the Innovation Pavilion. For the latter, USPTO will collaborate with the Smithsonian on the programming, curation, exhibition design and fabrication.

“We look forward to working with the Smithsonian Institution to showcase America’s rich history of innovation, and provide a forum where inventors of all ages can interact and learn about the patent process while inspiring the next generation of American creativity,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO David Kappos.

The Smithsonian and the USPTO have worked together on several projects in recent years, including three exhibitions: “The Great American Hall of Wonders” and “To Build a Better Mousetrap” at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, as well as an exhibition in the Smithsonian’s Ripley Center focused on Apple, Inc. founder Steve Jobs’ patents.

“The Arts and Industries Building has always been about celebrating innovation and progress, and it has been one of my goals to reopen the building and return it to that purpose,” said Wayne Clough, Smithsonian Secretary. “Through this collaboration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, we will create a program that not only celebrates American ingenuity, but also reflects the 21st century expectations of our visitors.”

At the June 2013 Innovation Expo, the latest technological developments—patented technologies from American companies—will be showcased. The three-day expo will be organized in partnership with the Smithsonian and serve as a template for future expos to be held in the Innovation Pavilion at the A&I Building, located on the National Mall between the Castle and the Hirshhorn Museum. Those wishing to exhibit at the 2013 Innovation Expo can learn more on the USPTO’s website at www.uspto.gov/patents/init_events/innovationexpo/IE2013_main.jsp. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2013.
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