How does one protect an app or software in today’s environment? What form or forms of intellectual property are best used to protect the various aspects of an app or software and how do they work together to offer coverage? This program will focus primarily on the use of utility patents to protect an app or software, while also addressing other forms of intellectual property that are pertinent and best practices when pursuing a utility patent.

Alford Kindred has been with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office since 1997. His tenure includes serving as a patent examiner, primary patent examiner, Supervisory Patent Examiner, Acting Director of the Office of Information Management Services, Regional Manager of the Midwest Regional Office, and the Outreach Regional Assistant Director for the Elijah J. McCoy Midwest Regional USPTO located in Detroit, Michigan. He is currently the president of the USPTO Military Association.

Mr. Kindred earned his Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering at Norfolk State University, and then a master’s degree in Computer Resources and Information Systems at Webster University, Saint Louis, MO. He is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Mr. Kindred also founded mentoring groups for kids. He helps them learn about STEAM and intellectual property through active participation.