Launched: Patents for Humanity: COVID-19

Launched by The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Patents for Humanity is an awards competition recognizing innovators who use game-changing technology to meet global humanitarian challenges. The program provides business incentives for reaching those in need. The awards showcase how patent holders with vision are pioneering innovative ways to provide affordable, scalable, and sustainable solutions for the less fortunate.

This year, the competition has been expanded to address those responding to the challenges of COVID-19 by using game-changing technologies. A new award category will provide business incentives for patent applicants, holders, and licensees whose inventions track, prevent, diagnose, or treat COVID-19. Their success stories will inspire others to harness innovation for human progress.

In addition to public recognition of their work, winners will receive a certificate that grants them accelerated USPTO processing for one eligible matter. New for this special award category: Winners may transfer their acceleration certificate to a third party. Applicants may team together to submit a single joint application as long as at least one applicant meets the eligibility criteria.

Please note that this new award cycle will only be for applications related to COVID-19. To apply directly for the Patents for Humanity: COVID-19 challenge, click here.

To review the additional information about the USPTO Patents for Humanity challenges, please visit the Patents For Humanity webpage.