US Inventor Annual Conference

September 26-28th, 2024

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.

9:20 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

10:00 AM ET

NETWORKING BREAK

10:20 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.

10:30 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

NETWORKING BREAK

11:25 AM ET

An Inventor’s Story: Scott Sander

Scott Sander co-founded SightSound Technologies. He negotiated the world’s first internet music distribution agreement and the company sold the world’s first downloadable music. SightSound Technologies’ co-founder Arthur Hair received 50 patents in the fields of audio and video eCommerce; audio and video compression; applied encryption; and trusted peer-to-peer networks for SightSound’s pioneering work.

11:45 AM ET

NETWORKING BREAK

12:40 PM ET

Lunch Break and networking

1:40 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.

2:20 PM ET

NETWORKING BREAK

2:40 PM ET

USPTO PATENT PRO BONO PROGRAM

Pro bono service is an important contribution of the legal profession to civil society.

3:00 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.

3:40 PM ET

NETWORKING BREAK

4:00 PM ET

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!

8:55 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

Adrienne is known as the “female Jerry Rice,” currently holding the All-Time Receiving Yards record in the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA). She is the inventor of the award winning football card game, Blitz Champz.

9:30 AM ET

Networking break

9:45 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.

10:50 AM ET

AI Tools and Tactics for Innovators and Business Owners

Learn about AI tools that can help streamline your work as an innovator or business owner. This talk offers a glimpse into how AI can enhance efficiency and creativity.

11:15 AM ET

LUNCH BREAK & WORKING LUNCH PANEL

Working Will the Restore Act Revive Injunctive Relief?

12:50 PM ET

Networking break

1:10 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.

1:50 PM ET

Networking break

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.

5:00 PM ET

Networking

Westin O’Grady, Conference Room – Cash Bar

6:00 PM ET

USI Celebration Dinner

Westin O’Grady, Conference Room – Cash Bar

7:00 PM ET

Networking

Westin – Thank you!

Change Starts Today

As long as injustice & inequality persist, none of us can truly rest. We need you to grow our voice, join us today and start making the difference.