February 29th 2024.
The National Business League and the United States Patent and Trademark Office have joined forces in a groundbreaking move to uplift and support Black-owned businesses. This partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding, with the goal of providing Black entrepreneurs with the necessary resources and programs to register their patents and trademarks.
As the first and largest trade association for Black businesses in the United States, the NBL, based in Tuskegee, Alabama, boasts a membership of over 120,000 individuals across the nation and the world. On the other hand, the USPTO, a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Commerce, is responsible for granting patents and registering trademarks, according to its website.
Dr. Ken L. Harris, the President and CEO of the NBL, expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating, "This partnership highlights our unwavering commitment to promoting Black entrepreneurship and protecting intellectual property rights. Its significance cannot be overstated, especially considering the historical barriers that have hindered many Black innovators from accessing the resources and opportunities needed to register their groundbreaking ideas in this country."
To kick off this partnership, the NBL and USPTO launched the Black Innovators series on February 1, 2024, in celebration of Black History Month. This series featured the significant contributions of Black inventors from the past, present, and future generations. Some of the notable innovators highlighted include Dr. George Washington Carver, Madam CJ Walker, Elijah McCoy, Patricia E. Bath, and Dr. Charles Drew.
Derrick Brent, the Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the USPTO, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, "By launching the Black Innovators Series and signing this memorandum with the NBL, we are demonstrating our unwavering commitment to promoting equity and empowerment in the field of innovation." He added, "We pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Black inventors and pave the way for future generations of trailblazers to thrive and inspire."
The press release also highlighted the significance of this collaboration in terms of safeguarding the NBL's brand integrity and national presence. The trademark registration solidifies the NBL's position and provides various benefits, such as legal protection, increased brand recognition, market expansion, and licensing opportunities across the country.
In addition to this partnership, the NBL is also working towards digitizing one million Black businesses, furthering their mission to support and uplift the Black community. This collaboration marks a milestone in the NBL's 124-year history, showcasing their dedication to promoting Black entrepreneurship and safeguarding intellectual property rights.
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