African Americans as well as women can make significant contributions to the innovation economy. However, intellectual property (IP) remains “stubbornly difficult” for them and other underrepresented groups to access. This paper briefly explores some of the historical and structural challenges that African Americans and women have faced in accessing and participating in the IP system. But more importantly, the paper focuses on the work that is - and can be done to reduce the racial and gender gaps in IP. 

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          The paper begins with an overview of IP and why it is important from an economic and public policy perspective. Indeed, the economic, medical, and technological impact of IP is evident as the United States and world struggle with the Covid-19 pandemic. Part IV of the paper highlights Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy among African Americans to demonstrate why racial and gender diversity in IP matters. The paper moves on to discuss some of the unique challenges that African Americans and women continue to face in IP and society at large. Part VI looks at the existing IP infrastructure and attempts to identify some proactive measures that can be taken to mitigate racial and gender bias in IP. Some of the areas highlighted include education, mentoring, and organizational support.