U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and University of New Hampshire Host Northern New England Community Outreach Office in Durham

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the University of New Hampshire (UNH) signed a Joint Partnership Agreement (JPA) to promote and support intellectual property (IP) education and outreach throughout the New England region through the establishment of a temporary Northern New England Community Outreach Office on the UNH campus in Durham, New Hampshire.

"This office will help the innovators and entrepreneurs of New Hampshire and New England by putting USPTO personnel and resources closer to them, fostering Granite State innovation and bolstering the state's economy," said Senator Shaheen. "I was thrilled to join Acting Director Brent, Northern New England Community Outreach Office Director Modricker and representatives from UNH to celebrate the signing of this agreement."

"The establishment of this first Community Outreach Office represents a milestone in USPTO's commitment to expanding access to the innovation ecosystem and supporting more inventors, creators, and entrepreneurs everywhere," said Derrick Brent, Acting Under Secretary for Intellectual Property and Acting Director of the USPTO. "I am thankful for the partnership with the University of New Hampshire which has a long history of supporting innovation from idea to market."

As part of implementing the Unleashing American Innovators Act of 2022, this joint project establishes a permanent community outreach office in the region. Partnering with UNH allows the USPTO to immediately begin delivering important IP services and engaging locally and directly with the communities in New England to strengthen innovation, drive economic growth, and create jobs.

"Advancing innovation and entrepreneurship is central to our mission at UNH - a commitment we proudly share with the USPTO," said Marian McCord, senior vice provost for research, economic engagement and outreach at UNH. "The university's collaboration with the new community outreach office will support these efforts and enable us to provide valuable resources to the public and to our UNH community, supporting innovators every step of the way."

This collaboration between UNH and the USPTO will create synergy to drive significant growth and leverage each other's strengths and resources. Our work together will support and empower entrepreneurs and innovators in the New England area with the resources and information they need to protect their intellectual property, whether it be an invention, a brand, or a creative work, and bring that IP to market to solve challenges facing the region and the world.

Daniel Modricker, as previously announced, will lead this new community outreach office.