OMPIC Competitors

For over 200 years, the basic role of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has remained the same: to promote the progress of science and the useful arts by securing for limited times to inventors the exclusive right to their respective discoveries (Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution). Under this system of protection, American industry has flourished. New products have been invented, new uses for old ones discovered, and employment opportunities created for millions of Americans. The strength and vitality of the U.S. economy depends directly on effective mechanisms that protect new ideas and investments in innovation and creativity. The continued demand for patents and trademarks underscores the ingenuity of American inventors and entrepreneurs. The USPTO is at the cutting edge of the Nation’s technological progress and achievement. The USPTO is a federal agency in the Department of Commerce. The USPTO occupies several interconnected buildings in Alexandria, Virginia. The office employs more than 14,000 people -- including engineers, scientists, attorneys, analysts, computer specialists -- all dedicated to protecting U.S. intellectual property rights. At the USPTO, the talents of all our colleagues enrich our vibrant workplace, and we celebrate and value each one.

𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 To improve conditions for investment, support science, help small and medium-sized businesses grow, build capacity for clean and sustainable technologies and processes, increase Canada’s share of global trade, promote tourism, and build an efficient and competitive marketplace. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐮𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 Every day, thousands of talented Canadians come to work at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). They come for the challenge of identifying, creating and supporting innovative initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives and help shape Canada’s future. 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 ISED offers a wide variety of unique career opportunities and prioritizes advancement, professional development, and continuing education. Employees have the opportunity to join employee-lead networks, participate in on-the-job training, and access other career development tools and programs to continuously progress on a professional and personal level. 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/careers-carrieres.nsf/eng/home

A method for training an athlete to adopt a vertical head-up position includes: placing a visor comprising an opaque region over the face of the athlete such that the opaque region of the visor blocks the upper peripheral vision of the athlete if the athlete lowers his/her head below the vertical head-up position; and having the athlete train with the visor over his/her face to teach the athlete to keep the head in the vertical head-up position, thereby minimizing a risk of head-to-head contact with another athlete during a game. An apparatus for training an athlete to adopt a vertical head-up position is also described. Head and neck injuries due to head-down contact in sports in which such contact may occur (such as football, lacrosse, hockey and baseball) are an increasing concern. Of particular concern is the health risk to an athlete that suffers a concussion. Health risks are accelerated when an athlete suffers multiple concussions.