Boosting Inventor Diversity the Focus of New House Bill

A new bill aims to increase diversity in the US patent system by directing the patent office to set up satellite locations and conduct outreach to underrepresented groups.

The “Unleashing American Innovators Act,” introduced by Reps. Deborah Ross (D-N.C.) and Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) Friday, would reduce application fees for small businesses and direct the US Patent and Trademark Office to increase its outreach to women, people of color, and veterans, among other populations that are underrepresented in patent filings.

The PTO also would have to set up a new satellite office in the southeastern US, open at least ...