501(c)(3) nonprofit · IP access for underserved inventors
Your idea matters.You shouldn't have to figure out IP alone.
Community IP helps underserved inventors understand and navigate the patent process, connect with support, and take the next step toward protecting their ideas.
Community IP's licensed patent practitioners help inventors understand and navigate the patent process in the U.S. and internationally, including patent application support where appropriate and when services are confirmed separately.
Our mission
Community IP's mission is to help underserved inventors obtain intellectual property.
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.
Community IP works to expand access to intellectual property by offering patent services, education, and mentoring to innovators who might otherwise be unable to afford them — subject to program capacity and when services are confirmed separately.
Community IP is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Get involved
Ways to connect with Community IP
Whether you need help, want to volunteer, explore a partnership, or support our mission — start here.
Inventors who need help
Apply for intake support to learn what education, mentoring, or IP guidance may fit your situation.
Get IP HelpVolunteers who want to support
Attorneys, agents, law students, and mentors can lend expertise to underserved inventors.
Volunteer with Community IPPartners who want to collaborate
Universities, incubators, and community organizations can co-host events and refer inventors.
Partner with Community IPFunders who want to support the mission
Support education workshops, mentoring access, and needs-based IP programs for underserved inventors.
Support the MissionResearch
Who gets to invent?
Entire sectors of the population are under-represented in intellectual property. These creative people are capable of doing something world-changing, but lack the time or resources to develop their inventions.
Read the access gap report20%
of inventors are people of color
12.8%
of all inventors named on U.S. patents are women
News
Updates from Community IP
Program milestones, partnerships, and community stories.
Community IP awarded microgrant from Social Enterprise Greenhouse
Community IP received a microgrant from Social Enterprise Greenhouse for entrepreneurs with a social-impact focus.
Read updateLost Einsteins: It's Not Enough to Be Smart
Access and exposure matter as much as talent — why Community IP exists to close the IP gap.
Read updateCommunity IP Accepted to Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG)'s 2025 Accelerator
Community IP joined SEG's 2025 Spring Accelerator Program to grow impact for underserved inventors.
Read updateSupport the mission
Help more inventors get through the first door
Your support helps Community IP expand access to intellectual-property education, mentoring, and patent support for underserved inventors.
Donations support our nonprofit mission. Program support depends on availability and eligibility.
Not sure what you need yet? That's okay.
Start with a question. We'll help you find a sensible next step.