This fall, University Libraries will celebrate Constitution Day with The Rights of Inventors: Patents in Society event series, spotlighting Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, the clause that lays the foundation for intellectual property rights in America.

The celebration will run from Sept. 17, Constitution Day, to Nov. 12. All events are free and open to the public.

Constitution Day, observed nationwide, commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Also known as Citizenship Day, it encourages Americans to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Institutions across the country mark the day with lectures, exhibits, and public discussions aimed at deepening understanding of the Constitution’s continuing impact.

A focus on Article I, Section 8

University Libraries’ first event in the series, The Rights of Inventors: Constitution Day Series Kickoff, from 4-7 p.m. Sept. 17 in the Goodall Room, will engage attendees in a discussion about the constitutional origins of patents, the history of inventor rights, and their continuing relevance in an era of rapid technological advancement.

Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power “to promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries.” This clause, adopted in 1787, is the legal cornerstone of the U.S. patent and copyright systems, ensuring inventors can benefit from their creations while fostering innovation that serves the public good.

“Virginia Tech’s research mission is deeply connected to the principles enshrined in this section of the Constitution,” said Inga Haugen, agriculture, life science, and scholarly communication librarian. “These events give our campus and community the chance to see how a historic constitutional provision continues to shape science, technology, and creativity today.”

Virginia Tech was recently named a patent powerhouse by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Beyond Constitution Day

The series extends beyond Constitution Day with workshops designed to support innovation, research, and public knowledge:

  • Introduction to Patents, 3-4 p.m. Oct. 1, 207A Newman Library: Learn the basics of patents, the application process, and how to use Virginia Tech’s Patent and Trademark Resource Center. Facilitated by Sarah Over, assistant director for research intelligence and engineering analyst, who oversees the Virginia Tech Patent and Trademark Office.
  • Find Government Information on Social Topics, 3-4:30 p.m. Oct. 8, 207A Newman Library: Discover how to access federal information on social policy and related legislative resources. Presented by Bruce Pencek, assistant director of collections management.
  • Making Your Research Poster, 3-4:30 p.m. Oct. 15, 207A Newman Library: Learn design and presentation strategies to create an effective and engaging research poster. Led by Amanda MacDonald, assistant director of undergraduate research initiatives.
  • Communicating Your Research, 3-4:30 p.m. Oct. 22, 207A Newman Library: This session guides undergraduate students in creating the details of their research story that they want to communicate and present during the event series’ culminating event, the research poster showcase. Facilitated by Inga Haugen.
  • The Rights of Inventors Poster Showcase, 3-6 p.m. Nov. 12, second floor commons, Newman Library: During this culminating event of the series, undergraduate researchers will present their posters on Virginia agricultural-related patents and their relationship with society. Commissioner Joseph Guthrie, of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and former Virginia Tech faculty member, will serve as a guest poster reviewer and keynote speaker. 

Why this matters

By exploring Article I, Section 8 through the lens of patents and inventor rights, this series connects the historic foundations of American democracy with the practical realities of research, innovation, and academic discovery at Virginia Tech. Take part in the conversation about how constitutional principles continue to shape the future of science and technology.

For more information, visit the event series website.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please email library-event-accessibility@groups.office365.vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

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