Times and speakers may be subject to change.
Thursday, September 26, 2024
9:00 AM ET
Walk the Halls of Congress
Join us for a powerful day of advocacy as we walk the halls of Congress. You’ll have the opportunity to speak directly with representatives, share your stories, and be on the frontline of driving legislative change. These professional meetings with representatives will be a combination of both scheduled and walk-in meetings.
As a token of our appreciation, all Thursday attendees will receive a free US Inventor T-shirt!
Friday, September 27, 2024
8:00 AM ET
Registration
Start your day by picking up your Attendee Badge and SWAG Bag. Connect with fellow innovators and prepare for an inspiring and knowledge-packed day!
9:00 AM ET
Conference Kickoff: From Dreamers to Decision-Makers
Randy Landreneau sets the stage for the conference, outlining the agenda and highlighting the significance of this gathering for inventors and innovators—an introduction to our Keynote Speaker, Joe Kiani.
9:05 AM ET
Opening Keynote: Here’s to the underdogs
Joe Kiani shares the mission and impact of the US Inventor Conference, emphasizing the critical role of inventors in driving innovation.
9:15 AM ET
Inventors Champion: Getting Sassy with Massie
Representative Massie shares his journey from MIT to Congress. He discusses the critical need to restore the U.S. patent system to protect and empower innovators. Learn about his pioneering work, legislative efforts, and the significant impact he has made in championing the rights and interests of small inventors in various industries
10:05 AM ET
USI Year in Review: Strengthening Inventor Voices
Reflect on the achievements and milestones of the past year, including critical partnerships, congressional efforts, and the ongoing battle to amplify inventor voices.
10:20 AM ET
Defending the ITC: The last line of defense for inventors
Amid unprecedented threats, the ITC stands as the last defense for U.S. inventors. This panel will explore the critical need to safeguard the ITC and its essential role in protecting innovation and fair trade against efforts to dismantle it.
11:05 AM ET
An Inventor’s Story
To be Announced…
TBA
11:50 AM ET
From Dominance to Dominated: Saving US Innovation or Sealing Its Fate
To be Announced…
Paul Boardman
Jonathan Rogers
12:35 PM ET
Lunch Break and networking
1:35 PM ET
An Inventor’s Story
To be Announced…
TBA
2:00 PM ET
Manipulating the Status Quo: How Weak Legislation Perpetuates Corporate Control
Explore how cleverly named bills have undermined patent rights. This panel will dissect the impact of legislation like the “America Invents Act” and “PREVAIL” and discuss the path forward for protecting small inventors.
Jeff Depp
Ryan Schneer
3:05 PM ET
Navigating Patent Challenges
To be Announced…
TBA
3:45 PM ET
Policy Team: Introducing the USI policy team
Learn about the USI Policy Team, a group of advocates working together to improve the patent system. Hear from his group as they strategize ways to support innovation and protect inventors’ rights.
TBA
4:25 PM ET
The Hollow Victory: The True Cost of Surviving a Decade of Patent Litigation
Clarke McCallister and his legal team share their decade-long battle to defend a single patent. Understand the immense challenges and resilience required to survive prolonged litigation.
5:00 PM ET
Networking Reception
Connect with inventors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, enjoy refreshments, food, and gain valuable insights in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere.
Saturday, September 28, 2024
8:00 AM ET
Registration
Start your day by picking up your Attendee Badge and SWAG Bag. Connect with fellow innovators and prepare for an inspiring and knowledge-packed day!
9:00 AM ET
Welcome Back: USI Kickstarter to the Day
Kick off the day with an energizing welcome from Randy Landreneau, who will set the tone for Saturday’s sessions.
9:05 AM ET
From Idea to Success: An Inventor’s Journey
TBA
James Howard
9:50 AM ET
The American Nightmare: Drowning in a Sea of E-Commerce Sharks
Since their Shark Tank deal with Lori Greiner, NightCap saw remarkable growth, gaining nearly half a million followers and $2 million in sales. However, in their third year, e-commerce knockoffs began exploiting their efforts, severely harming their brand. NightCap’s story is common, with thousands of startups and small businesses similarly plagued by copycats, stifling true innovation and crushing the dreams of genuine inventors.
10:55 AM ET
AI and Patenting
Learn how AI tools can assist inventors in various aspects of their work, from writing patents and researching prior art to creating claims charts, valuations, white papers, and more. Discover how to leverage AI to streamline your projects and enhance your innovation process
11:20 AM ET
Lunch Break & Networking
12:20 PM ET
How to Choose a Litigation Funder
To be announced…
TBA
1:25 PM ET
What is the Perfect Patent
Is there a right way to patent? This panel discusses the nuances of surviving examination, licensing, IPRs, Section 101 challenges, and more. Learn from experts about the strategies and best practices for creating a robust and defensible patent portfolio.
Jeff Hardin
Steven Schreiner
TBA
2:10 PM ET
Getting Involved with USI: Becoming an advocate and voice for inventors
Learn how to get involved and use your voice to make a significant impact in advocating for changes to the patent system. This session will provide practical tips and insights on becoming an effective advocate for the inventor community.
John Pfanstiehl
5:00 PM ET
USI Celebration Dinner
Conclude the US Inventor Conference with an unforgettable Celebration Dinner and Awards Ceremony. This elegant evening will honor the milestones achieved by USI members this year, providing a perfect finale to the conference.
Location: THE WESTIN ALEXANDRIA OLD TOWN – 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria, VA 22314
