In our rapidly changing environment, climate mitigation and adaptation-related innovations are critical to ensuring future climate resilience. But how can we better foster such innovation? Protecting the intellectual property (IP) that underpins emerging technologies is a necessary step in promoting the sharing of knowledge and putting new innovations into use. Within the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) understand how important the connection between IP and innovation is, and are taking steps to strengthen it. This panel brings together leaders from NOAA and USPTO to discuss the importance of protecting IP in the climate and blue economy space and the challenges and opportunities available to help protect it.