Women's Committee


This committee develops initiatives to encourage more women to get involved in PTAB practice and in the Association, including in leadership positions. This committee also supports the USPTO’s women’s initiatives including its Network of Executive Women.  This committee is expected to coordinate with other committees, including the Membership Committee, Diversity Committee, and the Young Lawyers/Agents Committee.

Join us: womens.committee@ptabbar.org
 
Alice HoShannon LentzLauren RobinsonDeborah YellinJean NguyenAlissa Green
 Committee Co-ChairCommittee Co-Chair Committee Vice-Chair Committee Vice-ChairCommittee Vice-Chair Committee Vice-Chair

 

RECENT EVENTS
On June 2, 2025, the Women’s Committee of the PTAB Bar Association co-hosted an informal rooftop gathering with the Women in IP Network-DC (WIN-DC) in Washington, DC.  Women patent practitioners from both private and public sectors attended the event and exchanged ideas about current opportunities and challenges in the practice.  We were also excited to welcome several women summer associates interested in the practice of patent law, sharing insights, encouragement, and real-world perspectives on building a meaningful career in intellectual property.  The evening fostered a spirit of mentorship and collaboration, highlighting the importance of community and support in advancing women’s leadership in the field.

OTHER RECENT EVENTS
The Women’s Committee and the Diversity Committee of the PTAB Bar Association and the American Association of Patent Judges hosted an evening of networking and discussion about the experiences of some of the first women judges at the PTAB on November 7, 2024, at the National Inventor Hall of Fame Museum at the USPTO Headquarters. Moderated by Hon. Lynne Browne, along with panelists Hon. Adriene Hanlon, Hon. Joan Ellis (Ret.), and Hon. Catherine Timm, attendees learned from women judges as they shared their inspiring stories of overcoming challenges, demonstrating resilience, and rising to new heights in their remarkable journeys!