Emerging Tech Forum

mission statement

Providing Support to the PTO

As with every previous wave of fast emerging technology, the private sector has raised concerns about the quality of patents issuing that cover aspects of nanotechnology. Whether real or imagined, the perception that patents covering nanotechnology are any less sound than in other areas of technology can have a strong detrimental effect on the development and commercialization of nanotechnology due to the uncertainty and lack of uniform acceptance of intellectual property rights.

The Emerging Tech Forum emerged from the concept of self-help by the nanotechnology community and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). By providing detailed, technology-based lectures in specified areas at no cost to the PTO, technical information and resources are shared to sharpen skills of the examiners and improve perception that the PTO is sufficiently trained to handle the fast emerging areas of nanotechnology.

Providing Support to the Nanotechnology Community

At the early stages of the commercialization of any new technology, there is a great need for education and the establishment of strategic relations between venture capitalists, startup companies, industry, researchers, government officials, policy makers and others so that vibrant products and companies may emerge. The Forum provides networking and educational opportunities so these diverse groups can meet, exchange ideas and establish meaningful relationships that will result in the creation of the impact companies of this century.

The Emerging Tech Forum holds technology seminars that are open to the public, in Northern Virginia, at a location convenient to the PTO, Ronald Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport.