Apply today. Deadline for applications is January 9, 1998

Each year in recognition of the vital role intellectual property plays in our economy, the PTO and IPO co-sponsor an exhibition and conference for inventors. The conference provides valuable information on the patent process and the use of inventions. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity for the creators of intellectual property to share their patented products with a large audience. Walt Disney World, the PTO, and IPO will work together to generate extensive publicity for the expo in an effort to maximize the success of the event. Manufacturing representatives will receive notification of the exhibition. Donít miss this exciting chance to share your invention with a national audience.

Co-Sponsored by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) and Intellectual Property Owners (IPO)

National Inventors Expo and Conference 98

CELEBRATING AMERICAN INGENUITY

The Patent and Trademark Office (PTO), a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, examines patent and trademark applications and maintains extensive patent and trademark search files. The patent files are one of the world's largest libraries of applied technology. For more information about the PTO, call our helpline on (703) 308-4357, visit www.uspto.gov, or write to Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, Washington, DC 20231.

Intellectual Property Owners (IPO) is a nonprofit association in Washington, DC, whose members are individuals and companies that own patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. It was founded in 1972. For more information about IPO, call (202) 466-2396, visit www.ipo.org, or write to Intellectual Property Owners, 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 850, Washington, DC 20037.

For Additional EXPO Information: Contact the Office of Public Affairs, Patent and Trademark Office, Washington, DC 20231. Phone: (703) 305-8341.

Exhibitor Information

The top 65 applicants will be selected by the following criteria: (1) the commercial market potential of the invention; (2) the technological advancement of the invention; (3) the visual appeal of the display; and (4) the clarity of presentation of the invention in the display.

Each booth will be 10í X 10í and include one 6í table, 2 chairs, and 1 easel. The cost per booth is $200.

All applications must be submitted by January 9, 1998.

All applicants will be notified of their eligibility by January 16, 1998. If selected, the exhibitor will be sent an invoice for the $200 booth fee plus any additional fees for electrical service or other additional items, if applicable. All fees must be postmarked by February 6, 1998.

How to Apply

For an application to be considered, the following information is required:

1.) the exhibit space application form in this brochure,

2.) detailed description of the exhibit, including photographs or drawings,

3.) a one page overview of the invention

4.) a copy of the patent or patents, and

5.) a photograph of the inventor.

* The application will not be given consideration without all of these items.

* No refunds can be made after an exhibit is selected and payment is received.

Important: IPO reserves the right to select the inventions to be exhibited based on criteria interpretation and material submitted. No applications will be accepted from invention promotion companies.

No goods are to be sold at the National Inventors Expo, however, orders may be taken for future delivery. Free samples and souvenirs, approved by the sponsors, may be given to the public. Transportation costs of exhibit items must be borne by exhibitors. The PTO, IPO, and Walt Disney World Resort accept no liability for loss or damage of materials.

Also register for the March 12...

National Inventors Conference

Marketing
Government Assistance
Selling & Licensing to Industry
Venture Capital
Dealing with the PTO
Networking & Discussion Groups

Conference Information

The National Inventors Conference is on Thursday, March 12th, the day before the National Inventors Expo at Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, FL. The conference will include a plenary session in the morning, a lunch (with plenty of time for networking), and a series of workshops in the afternoon. The plenary session and workshops will cover a variety of topics of interest to inventors on all levels. Details of the conference program will be mailed in January.

The registration fee of $125 per person includes all sessions, resource materials, and a lunch. Mail or fax registrations to IPO. Registrations will be confirmed by mail. No registrations will be accepted at the door. For more conference information, call Intellectual Property Owners at (202) 466-2396 or e-mail to info@ipo.org.

Conference Cancellation Policy

Persons whose cancellations are received by March 4, 1998 will be entitled to a full refund. Cancellations received by IPO March 5 through March 10 will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee. No refund will be made for cancellations received after March 10,1998.

Exhibitor Awards and Reception

IPO is sponsoring awards for the three top exhibitors at the Expo. The awards will be presented by the Honorable Lawrence J. Goffney, Jr., Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Deputy Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks. Winners will be selected by IPO. Epcot will host the reception and awards ceremony.

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