Diversity
Throughout the USPTO, you will find an environment that is enhanced by our all-inclusive spirit.
The Agency promotes equal employment opportunity through its Special Emphasis Programs (SEPs), including
the Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities Program, Federal Women's Program and the Hispanic
Employment Program, and its partnerships with civil rights-oriented employee organizations. The
Agency's goal is to identify and address employment barriers, and ensure equal employment opportunity in
the areas of hiring, retention and career development for all.
The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) also participates in recruitment-oriented outreach activities throughout
the year, such as seminars and conferences, as well as an annual Community Day celebration.
Every year, thousands of employees attend this popular event honoring the rich diversity of USPTO
employees through an array of booths depicting work-related activities, art work, ethnic foods and social
activities. It is just one more way we can experience and share in each other's individuality.
The USPTO provides a workplace that welcomes everyone and produces excellent products and services.
You will find a range of benefits programs, such as Flextime, child care and a fitness center,
that allow you to meet the needs of your life at work and at home.
The USPTO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Civil Rights
The USPTO’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) provides leadership, direction and guidance in carrying out all of
our equal opportunity and civil rights responsibilities. We identify and eliminate
discriminatory practices by ensuring equal employment opportunity for all employees and job applicants,
and ensuring equal opportunity and accessibility for users of programs and services operated or funded by
the USPTO.
The OCR manages reasonable accommodation requests, discrimination complaint processing and special emphasis
programs. Our complaint program provides for the prompt, fair and impartial processing of
complaints from USPTO employees and applicants for employment involving issues of discrimination on the
basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability and/or
retaliation for engaging in protected activity.
Special Emphasis Employee Organizations
USPTO supports all employee formed organizations in an effort to promote diversity within the agency. These
groups are not sponsored by USPTO, but we do encourage all interested employees to participate in their
activities. Below are some of the various employee organizations within USPTO:
- Asian Pacific American Network (APANet)
- Blacks In Government (BIG)
- Commerce Latino Employee Organization (CLEO)
- Lambda PTO
- African-American Women in Intellectual Property Law (Sisterhood)
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