Dr. Connie Wan spoke at the National Association of Patent Practitioners (NAPP) Conference on July 24, 2026, during a session focused on the USPTO Patent Pro Bono Program. The session was hosted by Kimberly Kelleher, Deputy General Counsel of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
As a founding member of the USPTO Patent Pro Bono Program in Washington State, Dr. Wan shared her experience in helping establish and develop the program and discussed the importance of expanding access to the U.S. patent system for independent inventors and entrepreneurs who may lack the financial resources to obtain patent counsel.
During the session, Dr. Wan emphasized that access to patent protection can play a critical role in enabling inventors to protect their innovations, attract investment, and participate meaningfully in the innovation economy. She also encouraged patent attorneys and patent agents to become involved in pro bono service and to contribute their professional expertise to programs supporting under-resourced inventors.
“The patent system should be accessible to innovators with strong ideas, regardless of their financial circumstances,” said Dr. Wan. “Patent practitioners are uniquely positioned to help bridge that gap, and pro bono service is an important way for our profession to support innovation and broaden access to intellectual property protection.”
Dr. Wan’s participation in the NAPP Conference reflects her longstanding commitment to intellectual property law, innovation, professional service, and the development of programs that connect inventors with qualified patent professionals.
Seattle Gummy Company is proud to recognize Dr. Wan’s continued contributions to the patent, scientific, and entrepreneurial communities.
About Seattle Gummy Company
Seattle Gummy Company is a science-driven health and wellness company focused on the research, development, and commercialization of innovative gummy-based delivery systems and functional products. The company combines formulation science, manufacturing expertise, and intellectual property development to create practical, consumer-focused health and wellness solutions.