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<h3><span style="font-size: x-small;">Innovation is a key characteristic of our nation and critical to our current and future global leadership.  These days it is rare to attend a speech or symposium where innovation does not figure prominently in the conversation.   It’s so easy to talk about innovation.  It’s not so easy to actually develop a new product or service, commercialize it and gain the acceptance that defines the transition from invention to innovation.</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Recognizing these leaders and honoring their efforts and achievements is the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.</span>

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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Between now and March 31,2012 is when we submit nominations for the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.  The Medal is the Nation’s highest honor for technological achievement and innovation. It is authorized by Congress and presented annually by the President of the United States.</span>

<a href="http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Medals2012-Header.jpg"><img title="2012 National Medal for Technology and Innovation" src="http://www.azbio.org/pinniped/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Medals2012-Header.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="196" /></a>

The Medal is awarded to individuals, teams (up to four individuals), companies or divisions of companies for their outstanding contributions to the Nation’s economic, environmental and social well-being through the development and commercialization of technological products, processes and concepts; technological innovation; and strengthening the Nation’s technological workforce.

Anyone can nominate for the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by submitting the nomination form and six letters of support at<a href="http://www.uspto.gov/about/nmti/guidelines.jsp">www.uspto.gov/about/nmti/guidelines.jsp</a>.

(Please note, self-nominations will not be accepted by the USPTO. Here in Arizona, our AZBio team will work with our bioscience community to coordinate nominations that  shine a spotlight on our community’s bioscience innovators. Contact<a href="mailto:AdvancingBio@AZBio.org">AdvancingBio@AZBio.org</a> for more information. )

<strong>The time available to submit nominations is limited and will end on March 31, 2012.</strong>  I hope you will help us quickly spread the word about this opportunity to celebrate the United States’ creative genius and the amazing innovations and innovators we have here in Arizona and in your community too.

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To learn more, see the USPTO Press release below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 2, 2012
<strong>Patent Office Expands Outreach for Innovation Honors</strong>

<em>Office Seeks to Build on Previous Successes</em>

Washington, D.C. (2/02/2012) – The Commerce Department’s United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is expanding its nationwide call for nominees for the 2012 National Medal of Technology and Innovation (NMTI).  The Congressionally authorized medal is presented each year by the President of the United States and is the country’s highest award for technological achievement.

“We want to honor this nation’s creative geniuses,” said Richard Maulsby, the USPTO’s acting chief communication officer and NMTI program coordinator. “This medal goes to innovators whose talent helps guarantee U.S. leadership in technology across the board.”

Past laureates have been awarded the medal for a wide variety of achievements, and the USPTO seeks to build on this diversity in 2012.  “There are thousands of U.S. inventors who have produced great ideas.  This is an opportunity to recognize them and showcase their work,” said Maulsby.<strong></strong>

The medal is awarded annually to individuals, teams (of up to four individuals), companies or divisions of companies for their outstanding contributions to America’s economic, environmental and social well-being. By highlighting the national importance of technological innovation, the medal is also meant to inspire future generations of Americans to prepare for and pursue technical careers to keep the United States at the forefront of global technology and economic leadership.

The USPTO administers the medal program on behalf of the Commerce secretary. Detailed information about the requirements for submitting a nomination, including a nomination form, can be downloaded at <a href="http://www.uspto.gov/about/nmti/guidelines.jsp">www.uspto.gov/about/nmti/guidelines.jsp</a>.

<strong>All completed nominations must be submitted to the USPTO by 5 p.m. (ET), March 31, 2012.</strong>

<strong>Media Contacts:</strong>

Richard Maulsby, Acting Chief Communication Officer and NMTI Program Coordinator | United States Patent and Trademark Office | (571) 272-8333

Paul Fucito  (571) 272-8400  | <a href="mailto:paul.fucito@uspto.gov">paul.fucito@uspto.gov</a>

<strong>If you have any questions or need additional information on nominations:</strong>

Matthew Palumbo | (517) 272-7517 | <a href="mailto:Matthew.Palumbo@USPTO.gov">Matthew.Palumbo@USPTO.gov</a>

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