The Humanitarian IP Program

OVERVIEW

The United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) has developed a voluntary, pro-business pilot program to incentivize the development and distribution of technology that addresses humanitarian needs.

BACKGROUND

Greatest need of humanitarian support coincides with breakdowns in the market or government structure, specifically: Impoverished populations with insufficient

capital to provide the needed ROI Areas lacking appropriate infrastructure Countries lacking adequate protection for

inventions

WHY THE USPTO?

USPTO is uniquely positioned to help address these problems

Respected leading voice on IP matters Working relationship with the authors of

technological progress History of cooperation with industry Leverage contacts to develop win-win

solutions Highlight the benefits IP has for

developing regions

PROPOSAL

Incentivize and reward patent owners who make meaningful contributions to humanitarian needs.

Provide a transferrable voucher for expedited processing at the USPTO.

Recipients may apply the voucher to one of their own patents or sell it on the openmarket.

USPTO issued a public Request For Comments in Sept 2010. Respondents from industry, academia, and NGOs were very supportive of the program. USPTO continues to solicit feedback from stakeholders to address concerns and ensure success.

"BIO commends the USPTO for likewise exploring creative and market-oriented ways to incentivize the development and distribution of humanitarian technologies, a goal that BIO and its members have

long shared and are working hard to achieve."

-James GreenwoodBIO’s President & CEO

EXTERNAL SUPPORT

“I enthusiastically support the exploration and intent behind the ‘Humanitarian IP program’, as I view it as a

critical component in a system for accelerating the delivery of inclusive (pro-poor) innovations (in health and

agriculture to developing countries).”

-Stanley Kowalski Professor of Law and Director of

The International Technology Transfer Institute University of New Hampshire

EXTERNAL SUPPORT

DEFINITIONS

Humanitarian issue – one significantly affecting the public health or quality of life of an impoverished population

Qualifying criteria (roughly): Actions that significantly increase usage of

the technology by an impoverished group to address a humanitarian issue

Actions that make the technology available to others for research on a humanitarian issue

APPROACH

Focus on actually delivering life-altering treatments/products/services to suffering people in need

Triple Neutral Approach: Technology – open to all fields Geography – help impoverished people

anywhere Finance – focus on results achieved, not $$

accommodates all business models

ELIGIBLE TECHNOLOGIES

Any technology used for humanitarian purposes may qualify, such as: Health/Life Sciences (e.g. medicines, medical

devices) Chemical (e.g. water purification) Mechanical (e.g. mine detector) Agriculture (e.g. enhanced crops) Energy (e.g. hazardous waste treatment) IT (Hardware and Software) (e.g. malaria

zapper) And others…

PROCESS

Participants will submit prize applications describing how they have made significant contributions to humanitarian goals with their patented technology according to the program criteria

Expert judges will evaluate the applications

JUDGING MECHANISM

2-Round Review Process

Evaluation by outside experts with backgrounds in technology and humanitarian aid

Final selections performed by the Patent Public Advisory Committee

TIMELINE

FRN to be published May 2011 Pilot rollout in 2nd half of FY 2011

PERCEIVED BENEFITS FROM IMPACT INVESTING INCENTIVIZATION

Average Return Expectations by instrument and region

“Impact Investments: An Emerging Asset Class.” J.P.Morgan, Global Research. 29 Nov 2010

SUMMARY

USPTO program to reward humanitarian use of intellectual property

Opportunity to advance U.S. and world interests in humanitarian aid

USPTO uniquely positioned to lead Leverages existing forces in

industry and academia to greater effect

CONCLUSION

In our global economy, progress in even the poorest countries can advance the prosperity and security of people

far beyond their borders, including my fellow Americans.

-President Barack Obama, September 22, 2010

U.N. Millenium Development Goals Summit