In the Master of Business and Science (MBS) degree course, “Fundamentals of Intellectual Property (IP),” students learn the fundamental and practical aspects of IP, emphasizing IP strategies. This informative class, instructed by technology transfer and IP expert DJ Nag, includes a highly anticipated field trip to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
On June 12th, students boarded a bus in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and made the journey to the USPTO located in Alexandria, Virginia. Here, they had engaging discussions with USPTO professionals, gaining deeper insight into the concepts studied in class. Students who could not join in person joined via Zoom. The day ended with a tour of the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum.
On arrival, students were greeted with a warm welcome from Elizabeth Dougherty, Director, Eastern Regional Outreach Office. She provided an overview of the USPTO, explaining that students were embarking on a day dedicated to success and education.
Here are the highlights from the day:
History of the USPTO with Rebekah Oakes, Historian, Office of the Chief Communications Officer.
Oakes provided an overview of the history of the patent system in the United States, highlighting pivotal moments including the Patent Act of 1836, the Lanham Act, and the America Invents Act.
You can learn more about the history of the USPTO on the USPTO website and view their Journeys of Innovation series.
US Patent Practice – Examination and Issuance with Alford Kindred, Technology Center Director; Ramon Mercado, Supervisory Patent Examiner; and William Vaughn, Supervisory Patent Examiner.
In this panel, each speaker shared their professional backgrounds, explaining their career journeys and how they reached their current position. Panelists highlighted the tremendous opportunity that the USPTO has given them, including access to mentorship and the ability to create a positive impact.
They also shared their day-to-day work, including what they find most challenging and rewarding.
US Trademark Practice - Examination and Issuance with Susan Hayash, Managing Attorney, Trademarks.
Hayash discussed her career trajectory and explained the work of an examining attorney. She provided a live demonstration of the examination system, explaining how she uses it.
Introduction to the Henry Baker Public Search Facility with Sonya Wright, Technical Information Specialist.
The Henry E. Baker Public Search Facility is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about patent and trademark searching, explained Wright.
Wright also highlighted several of the patents that Rutgers University has received. Rutgers University holds a variety of patents and trademarks, including a trademark on the Rutgers R.
USPTO Outreach and Engagement: Resources, Programs, and Initiatives with Maggie Dressel, Education Program Specialist; Carlos Gutierrez, Innovation Outreach Specialist; and Tomeka Oubichon, Regional Outreach Officer; moderated by Elizabeth Dougherty.
Each panelist began by sharing their varied career journeys, discussing what attracted them to the USPTO and their current positions. They also shared a typical day in their role.
Oubichon highlighted the rewarding nature of her outreach work.
Panelists ended their discussion by drawing attention to their favorite tools for sharing IP education and information, including invention challenges, the USPTO YouTube channel, and the IP Identifier.
International IP Protection, IP Enforcement, and IP Legislation with Robin Hylton, Special Program Examiner; Deborah Lashley-Johnson, Acting Director, IP Attaché Program; and Jim Moore, Staff Attorney; moderated by Elizabeth Dougherty.
Panelists from the USPTO introduced themselves and shared their career paths leading to the agency.
They each described a typical day in their role. Hylton emphasized variety, collaboration, and international relationship-building; Deborah highlighted hands-on support and education; Jim spoke about legislative tracking and policy analysis. Panelists also touched upon the growing complexity of AI in relation to copyright.
After a final question and answer session with Dougherty, the day ended with a tour of the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) from Kara Miller, NIHF Museum and Archival Supervisor. The NIFH aims to recognize inventors, promote creativity, and advance the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. The museum commemorates world-changing inventors.
Visiting the USPTO campus offers students a unique opportunity to explore and learn firsthand from professionals. Overall, the course “Fundamentals of Intellectual Property” is beneficial to students from a wide range of academic backgrounds.
To learn more about this course, read about our previous trip to the USPTO.