About
Closing the IP access gap, one inventor at a time
Community IP's mission is to help underserved inventors obtain intellectual property. Founded in 2024 by patent professionals, Community IP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit closing the gap for inventors left behind — not for lack of ideas, but for lack of access, guidance, and affordable support.
Our story
Expanding access to intellectual property
Intellectual property was designed to protect innovation — but the system has never been equally accessible. Women, people of color, and low-income inventors patent at dramatically lower rates. Not because they lack talent, but because they lack the networks, resources, and knowledge that others take for granted.
Community IP was created to change that. We believe every inventor deserves a fair shot at understanding and pursuing IP protection — starting with education, mentoring, and community support, not intimidation.
Community IP wants to change the access gap. Started by two patent professionals in 2024, our goal is to help the vast, untapped well of talent by providing intellectual-property support to inventors who are historically underrepresented.
In 2025, we were accepted into Social Enterprise Greenhouse's Impact Accelerator, joining a cohort of mission-driven ventures working toward a more equitable economy.
Accelerator partner
What we focus on
- Raising awareness by hosting events and seminars about IP, specifically for women and younger adults
- Offering low-cost IP services
- Mentoring and supporting entrepreneurs and business owners in underrepresented communities
Leadership
Co-Presidents
Community IP is led by patent professionals committed to expanding access to intellectual property for underserved inventors.
Governance
Board of Directors
Community IP is guided by leaders committed to expanding intellectual property access for underserved inventors and entrepreneurs.
The gap we address
Underrepresented inventors face real barriers
12.8%
of U.S. patent inventors are women
USPTO
3×
patent rate gap between white and Black Americans
Research estimates
10×
more likely to invent in the top 1% of earners
Stanford Equality of Opportunity Project
Who we serve
Community IP is for inventors and entrepreneurs who have been historically underrepresented in intellectual property — and anyone who needs a supportive first step toward understanding and pursuing IP protection.