Your idea matters.You shouldn't have to figure out IP alone.
Community IP helps underserved inventors understand intellectual property, connect with support, and take the next step toward protecting their ideas.
Submitting a form does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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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 will democratize access to intellectual property by offering expert patent services to innovators who might otherwise be unable to afford them — alongside education, mentoring, and needs-based support, subject to program capacity.
Community IP is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Access Gap Report · 2024–2025
Who gets to invent?
20%
Only 20% of inventors are people of color.
Source: USPTO / industry estimates
12.8%
Only 12.8% of inventors are women.
Source: USPTO Progress and Potential report
Lost Einsteins · Stanford Equality of Opportunity Project, 2017
“The top 5% highest-scoring low-income kids were less likely to eventually become inventors than below-average math students from affluent families.”
The study's authors call these kids Lost Einsteins— talented young people who never get the access or exposure to become inventors.
3×
more likely for white Americans to invent than Black Americans
Harvard University research cited by USPTO
10×
more likely to invent if born in the top 1% of earners vs. below-median income
USPTO / Equality of Opportunity Project
How Community IP helps
An inventor's journey — not a menu of services
We meet you where you are — with education, mentoring, and support when we can, subject to program capacity.
01 · Learn
Understand IP before you spend a dollar
Plain-language guides, workshops, and awareness events on patents, trademarks, and copyrights — built for first-time inventors, not law students.
Start here if you're asking "what even is a patent?"
02 · Prepare
Know where you stand
Use the IP Readiness Checker, learn invention basics, and get clear next-step guidance before you commit time or money.
No account required
03 · Connect
Find people who've been there
Mentorship, volunteers, patent professionals, and community partners who help underserved inventors navigate the path forward.
Volunteers & partners welcome
04 · Support
Get through the first door
Low-cost services and needs-based funding when available — subject to program capacity and eligibility.
Support depends on availability
From idea to protection
The pathway most inventors never see
- 01
Start with an idea
You don't need a prototype or a lawyer yet — just curiosity and something worth protecting.
- 02
Understand what kind of IP may apply
Patent, trademark, copyright, or trade secret? Learn the basics before making big decisions.
- 03
Prepare your invention story
Document what you've built, who it's for, and what makes it different — our readiness tools help.
- 04
Connect with support
Mentors, volunteers, and community partners who understand the IP access gap.
- 05
Take the next step toward protection
Apply for help, explore low-cost options, or get referred — subject to capacity and eligibility.
Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Formal services, if available, are confirmed separately. Community IP cannot guarantee funding, services, filing assistance, or any particular outcome.
Join the movement
Inventors, volunteers, partners, and donors — there's a place for you
Inventors
Take the readiness checker or apply for help to learn what IP support may fit your situation.
Check readiness →MENTORVolunteers
Attorneys, agents, law students, and mentors can lend expertise to underserved inventors.
Volunteer with us →ACCESSPartners
Universities, incubators, and community orgs can co-host events and refer inventors.
Become a partner →PROTECTDonors
Support education workshops, mentoring access, and needs-based IP programs.
Support our mission →Updates from the movement
Program milestones, partnerships, and stories — not a corporate blog.
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 update →Community 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 update →Lost 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 update →Built by patent professionals who saw the gap
Started by patent professionals in 2024, Community IP works to democratize access to intellectual property for inventors who might otherwise be unable to afford support.
Accepted into Social Enterprise Greenhouse's 2025 Impact Accelerator. Growing partnerships with universities, incubators, and community organizations across Rhode Island and beyond.
Organization file · Est. 2024
- Status501(c)(3) nonprofit
- FocusIP access for underserved inventors
- ProgramsEducation · Intake · Mentoring · Funding
- AcceleratorSEG 2025 Impact Cohort
credibility + community = access
Not sure what you need yet? That's okay.
Start with a question. We'll help you find a sensible next step.
Submitting a form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Services, if available, are confirmed separately.
Help more inventors get through the first door
Your contribution funds education workshops, mentoring access, and needs-based IP support for inventors who might otherwise be left out — subject to program capacity.
Donations support our nonprofit mission. Contributions are not tax advice — consult your advisor. Program support depends on availability and eligibility.