Diversity at the USPTO

The USPTO is proud to have an incredibly diverse workforce with so many employees of various backgrounds and cultures.

The USPTO has a network of thirteen Affinity Groups, which are voluntary employee organizations that are based on a shared common background and/or special interest. Each group is led by a team of volunteers to host cultural, social and career development programs and events for their members and the wider USPTO community.

The Affinity Groups also work with the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity on joint events and programs, such as an annual International Food Sample Festival and an event to celebrate National Engineering Week. For additional information, please contact OEEOD@uspto.gov.

UMA

The USPTO Military Association (UMA) assists veterans and military family members at the USPTO and educates the USPTO community about veterans and their families who have served and made sacrifices for their country.

APANET

The Asian Pacific American Network (APANET) educates USPTO employees about the diverse cultural heritage of the Asian Pacific American community through cultural celebrations and assists members with professional development.

BIG

Established in 1982, the goals of the USPTO Chapter of Blacks in Government (BIG) are to promote equity in all aspects of American life, excellence in public service, and opportunity for all USPTO employees.

AMACA

The American Muslim and Arabic Cultural Association (AMACA) is committed to promoting a positive image of Muslim Americans at the USPTO. AMACA helps their members thrive in a diverse environment and to grow professionally.

BAIPO

The mission of Bangladeshi-American Intellectual Property Organization (BAIPO) includes celebrating the rich cultural heritage of those of Bangladeshi origin and to support the diversity goals of the USPTO.

NSBE-PTO

The National Society of Black Engineers at the USPTO (NSBE-PTO) focuses on culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and provide a positive impact on the community.

LAMBDA

Lambda PTO’s purpose is to encourage, promote, and foster a positive work environment for all USPTO employees, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity and membership is open to all USPTO employees.

CIPA

The Caribbean Intellectual Property Association (CIPA) focuses on the Caribbean influence on intellectual property matters and the current and future impact of intellectual property on the Caribbean community.

WiSE

Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) is committed to supporting women at the USPTO by hosting career development and social events where members can meet other successful people at the USPTO and the IP community.

SHPE-PTO

The USPTO Chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE-PTO) is all about “familia” and is not just for Hispanics or engineers. They host social events and outreach activities to inspire students to study engineering.

SEAES

The Society of Ethiopian American Engineers and Scientists (SEAES) celebrate the rich culture of Ethiopian Americans with the United States Patent and Trademark Office community.

responsAbility

ResponsAbility focuses on disability awareness and advocacy at the USPTO by sponsoring activities that support disabled employees and employees with disabled family members or friends.

IPSIA

The Intellectual Property Society of Iranian Americans (IPSIA) works to celebrate and share the rich Persian cultural heritage within the USPTO community.

The Affinity Groups at the USPTO are:

Affinity Groups
Society of Ethiopian American Engineers and Scientists (SEAES) National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) American Muslim and Arabic Cultural Association (AMACA) Intellectual Property Society of Iranian Americans (IPSIA)	Caribbean Intellectual Property Association (CIPA) Blacks in Government (BIG) USPTO responsAbility Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE)	Asian Pacific American Network (APANET) USPTO Military Association (UMA) Lambda PTO Bangladeshi-American Intellectual Property Organization (BAIPO)