This Week in Washington IP: USPTO Hears from Women Excelling in the Technology Industry; Germany and the United States’ Innovation Future; and the Role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers in the Prescription Drug Supply Chain

This week in Washington IP news, the House Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access examines how well creditors are able to identify small businesses that are eligible for additional capital. Elsewhere, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) hosts the third event of the 2023 Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium. Also, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) discusses the future of manufacturing innovation in Germany and the United States.

Tuesday, March 28

House Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access

The End of Relationship Banking? Examining the CFPB’s “Small Business Lending Data Collection” Rule

At 10:00 AM on Tuesday, 2360 Rayburn House Office Building and online livestream

On Tuesday, this subcommittee of the House Committee on Small Business will examine the “Small Business Lending Data Collection” Rule. The rule was proposed by Consumer Financial Protection Bureau after Congress directed it to adopt regulations on the collection of small business lending data. One of the goals was to enable government institutions and creditors to identify business opportunities for women-owned, minority-owned, and small businesses.

United States Patent and Trademark Office

Inspiring children to innovate for success: Lucie Howell and The Henry Ford museum

At 6:00 PM on Tuesday, virtual webinar

On Tuesday, the USPTO will host Lucie Howell, Chief Learning Officer at The Henry Ford (THF) museum, to hear about inclusive innovation and inspiring children. Howell will also talk about the tools educators can use to inform students about innovation including the national television series Innovation Nation. This event is targeted toward school administrators, teachers, students, parents, and caregivers interested in educating children about innovation and intellectual property.

Wednesday, March 29

Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

The Future of Manufacturing and Innovation in Germany and the United States

At 10:00 AM on Wednesday, virtual webinar

On Wednesday, speakers will discuss the innovation-related challenges that the United States and Germany face, including green technology standards altering the automotive industry and vulnerable supply chains. The event will be broken down into three sessions, first discussing strengths and weaknesses in innovation, second looking at the countries’ prospects to innovate for the future of manufacturing, and the final session will examine policymaking decisions. The panelists include a wide range of academics and industry experts. 

United States Patent and Trademark Office

2023 Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium, part three: Technology and funding

At 2:00 PM on Wednesday, virtual webinar

On Wednesday, the USPTO is holding the third part of the 2023 Women Entrepreneurship Symposium. Attendees will hear from women working in the technology field who have made an important impact in their field. Speakers will also discuss how women across the country are finding funding to bring their ideas and technology to the market.

American Enterprise Institute

Rebuilding Cyberspace to Prevent Financial Collapse: A Book Event

At 5:00 PM on Wednesday, AEI Auditorium and online livestream

On Wednesday, Thomas Vartanian, Executive Director of the Financial Technology & Cybersecurity Center, will discuss his new book titled The Unhackable Internet: How Rebuilding Cyberspace Can Create Real Security and Prevent Financial Collapse. The book delves into the threats presented by the internet, the lack of progress to secure cyberspace, and what can be done in the future to counteract these threats.

Thursday, March 30

Senate Committee on Finance

Pharmacy Benefit Managers and the Prescription Drug Supply Chain: Impact on Patients and Taxpayers

At 10:00 AM on Thursday, 215 Dirksen Senate Office Building and online livestream

On Thursday, this senate committee will hold a hearing on the impact of pharmacy benefit managers on patients and the prescription drug industry. Pharmacy benefit managers are controversial and have been under scrutiny for practices that increase prescription drug prices for consumers. The committee will hear from academics, lawyers, and the president of a Pharmacy benefit manager, Matthew Gibbs, Pharm.D. of Capital Rx.

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Author: izanbar