AutoHarvest, an open innovation marketplace for the auto industry backed by the University of Michigan, signs MOU with USPTO to drive vehicle innovation.
AutoHarvest, an online platform to support innovation and commercialisation in the auto industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to provide entrepreneurs and corporates access to its database, analytical tools and information resources.
The platform is backed by a number of corporates, organisations and universities, including Ford Global Technologies, The Chrysler Group, General Motors Company, Covisint, University of Michigan, The Ohio State University – Center of Automotive Research, C.S. Mott Foundation, The New Economy Initiative, Ann Arbor SPARK, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
It is also maintains a presence in innovation hubs around the Detroit area, including Wayne State University’s R&D Park and the University of Michigan’s North Campus Research Complex.
Jayson Pankin, AutoHarvest president and chief executive, said: “The importance of the Midwest as a global engineering center is reinforced by this alliance. AutoHarvest members will benefit from information and databases sourced and potentially co-developed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office that will help inventors better understand the process of obtaining, maintaining and commercializing intellectual property, leading to real economic impact.”
