Patent Pathways™ Keynote Speaker: Margot Bagley

In a deeply inspiring keynote for Patent Pathways, Margo A. Bagley, Vice Dean and Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Law, shared her remarkable journey in patent law, from her humble beginnings to her current successes. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of determination, mentorship, and innovation in navigating the complexities of the patent field.

Margo Bagley’s early interest in engineering, spurred by a presentation on careers in engineering during her high school years in Huntsville, Alabama, set the stage for her exceptional journey. Despite facing significant challenges upon transferring to the University of Wisconsin to complete her chemical engineering degree, Bagley’s perseverance, fueled by encouragement from a professor, propelled her forward. Her professional journey began at Procter & Gamble, where she was recognized as Rookie of the Year in food product development and co-invented a patent on reduced-fat peanut butter, marking her first foray into the world of patents.

Bagley’s curiosity about patents grew during her tenure at Procter & Gamble, leading her to explore a career in patent law. After conducting thorough research, including cold-calling patent attorneys to understand the profession better, she decided to pivot her career towards law. Enrolling at Emory Law School, she excelled academically, graduating third in her class, which paved the way for her successful practice as a patent attorney at prominent law firms.

Despite her success in practice, Bagley’s passion for teaching and mentoring led her to academia, where she has made significant contributions to patent law education and research. Her work focuses on international patent law, comparative patent law, and increasing diversity in the innovation ecosystem. She currently serves as a technical adviser to the African Union and the World Intellectual Property Organization, highlighting her expertise and commitment to advancing the field of patent law on a global scale.

Bagley’s advice to individuals entering the patent field is profound and multifaceted. She emphasizes the importance of being coachable, proactive in honing writing skills, making a good first impression, and appreciating the opportunities presented. Her journey underscores the value of resilience, mentorship, and continuous learning in achieving professional success and contributing to the broader legal and innovation communities.

Margo A. Bagley’s keynote not only shares her personal and professional achievements but also serves as a source of inspiration and guidance for those aspiring to make their mark in the patent law field. Her dedication to mentorship, diversity, and innovation is a beacon for current and future generations in the patent community.

Watch her address our Opening Session below:

Sound like something you are interested in? We’re now accepting applications for our June-November 2024 Patent Pathways™ Rotations.
APPLY NOW TO PARTICIPATE IN PATENT PATHWAYS

We can’t do this program alone! Want to get involved? Check out these useful links:

JOIN A PATENT PATHWAYS COMMITTEE
BECOME A MENTOR
BECOME A LAW FIRM PARTNER
BECOME A CORPORATE SPONSOR

As we reflect on the year gone by, it is heartening to see the tangible impact Patent Pathways™ has had on diversifying the patent field. Our nonprofit has taken significant strides in 2023 to foster inclusion and empower underrepresented communities, ensuring that the spirit of innovation is accessible to all.

In 2023, we welcomed 21 dedicated participants to the program, each bringing their unique perspectives and backgrounds to the world of patents. With 33 sessions held throughout the year, we’ve laid down a solid foundation of knowledge and skill-building, equipping our participants with the tools they need to thrive in the patent field as they prepare for their first careers and taking the patent bar.

The effectiveness of our initiative is evident in the achievements of our participants thus far — 13 of whom have found full-time employment in the field, thereby increasing representation and bringing fresh talent to the table. Moreover, the rigorous preparation provided by the PLI patent bar preparation training and our dedicated mentors has enabled 3 participants to pass the challenging patent bar, securing their titles as registered patent practitioners.

Our community’s strength is reflected in the partnerships that bolster our program. With 23 law firm partners and 3 corporate sponsors joining hands with us, we’ve created a robust network of support that propels our participants toward success.

Our dedicated mentor volunteers have been another backbone of Patent Pathways™, offering their time, expertise, and guidance. Of our 90 mentor volunteers, the 42 paired mentors have established meaningful connections with participants, ensuring that each individual receives personalized attention and support. We’ve additionally had 25% of mentors continue to mentor beyond the original commitment, and have begun hosting virtual mentor coffee sessions so our mentors can interact and discuss best practices.

The collective efforts of our 55 committee members across 8 crucial committees has been instrumental in supporting the expansion of the program, from recruiting participants, marketing the program, garnering law firm and corporate partners, refining our program sessions, pairing and training mentors, and raising a whopping $166,880. This funding is imperative in scaling our impact and reaching even more aspiring patent professionals.

The success of Patent Pathways™ is further illustrated by the 22 incoming participants of our January – May 2024 program, eager to dive into the intricacies of patent law and contribute to a more inclusive industry.

As we celebrate these milestones, Patent Pathways™ stands proud of its journey since being incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2022. Our vision for a more inclusive patent community is becoming a reality, and it’s all thanks to the unwavering dedication of everyone involved.

Let’s continue to break barriers and build bridges in the patent world. Together, we are paving the way for innovation that is reflective of the diverse society we serve.

To learn more about Patent Pathways™ and how you can contribute to this transformative journey, check out these useful links below!

JOIN A PATENT PATHWAYS COMMITTEE
BECOME A MENTOR
BECOME A LAW FIRM PARTNER
BECOME A CORPORATE SPONSOR
APPLY TO PARTICIPATE IN PATENT PATHWAYS

DONATE HERE!

Want more? Watch Elaine Spector’s Driving Diversity series HERE. Elaine shares tips and sparks conversations to drive diversity in the legal field in this weekly short-video series.

Increasing Diversity in the Patent Field

Patent Pathways™ Keynote Speaker: Margot Bagley

Celebrating Progress: The 2023 Impact of Patent Pathways