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Celebrating Innovation in Intellectual Property: IPO Education Foundation 2025 Honorees

The Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation has unveiled its prestigious list of honorees for 2025, recognizing those whose innovative contributions and leadership are making significant strides in the realm of intellectual property (IP). This prestigious event, which occurs annually, highlights the essential role IP plays in fostering creativity and helping to advance society as a whole.

One of the most coveted awards, the Inventor of the Year, honors extraordinary inventors whose recent creations have profoundly impacted the economy and improved the quality of life for many. This year, the award goes to the dynamic duo, Erin and Lee Hanson, founders of Guardian Sports, who have notably transformed athlete safety through groundbreaking innovations.

Erin and Lee Hanson: Pioneers in Athlete Safety

Erin and Lee Hanson have dedicated their careers to the field of sports safety, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. Since the establishment of Guardian Sports in 2010, they have spearheaded the development of several monumental products, including the Guardian Cap—a soft-shell helmet cover that is now a requirement in NFL practices and widely used in NCAA events. Their commitment to safety doesn't end there; the Hansons also introduced the PEARL lacrosse balls for NCAA use and the LOOP headband designed specifically for soccer players.

Erin and Lee emphasize the intersectionality of invention, safety, and sustainability in the sports industry. They advocate for all new inventors to secure patents for their ideas, emphasizing the foundation that IP protection provides in fostering collaborations with institutions such as the NCAA and NFL. As they put it, “This award underscores the importance of protecting your ideas. Without intellectual property, our partnership with leagues like the NCAA and NFL wouldn't have been possible.” Their entrepreneurial journey exemplifies how innovative products can enhance safety standards in sports without compromising on quality or creativity.

Recognizing Leadership in Intellectual Property Advocacy

Alongside the Hansons, the IPO Education Foundation also honors Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) as IP Champions for their collaborative efforts in advocating for robust intellectual property rights. Their bipartisan approach has paved the way for the introduction of significant legislative measures, including the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act (PERA) and the PREVAIL Act. These initiatives underscore their commitment to maintaining a fair and efficient IP system in the U.S., which not only nurtures innovation but also enhances global competitiveness for creators across the nation.

Jessica Landacre, Executive Director of the Intellectual Property Owners Association, states, “This year's honorees exemplify the highest ideals of the intellectual property community—innovation, leadership, and unwavering dedication.” The contributions of the Hansons, Senators Coons, and Tillis significantly reinforce the transformative power of IP in driving progress and inspiring new generations.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Innovation

The recognition event will take place in December, where these deserving honorees will be celebrated for their substantial achievements and advocacy within the intellectual property community. The IPO Education Foundation, a subsidiary of the Intellectual Property Owners Association, is committed to teaching the value of intellectual property rights and fostering innovation as a non-profit organization. For more insights on the importance of intellectual property and to learn more about future initiatives, visit ipoef.org.

This recognition not only highlights the outstanding achievements of these innovators but also serves as a reminder of the critical role of intellectual property in nurturing creativity, driving innovation, and ultimately benefitting society at large.