Join the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to learn from The International Business Innovation Association and two of its participating programs that provide assistance to innovators on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 2–4 p.m. ET.
During this event, attendees will also hear from USPTO on ways to protect your inventions and brands, and how to access free USPTO resources that support your innovation journey. Attendees will also hear directly from International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) leaders and others involved in the innovation ecosystem.
Why attend?
The ecosystem for innovation includes stakeholders from a variety of federal and private sector programs. For many small businesses and innovators, this community serves a vital role in providing the resources, insights, and guidance needed to move from ideation to commercialization, growth, and beyond. Furthermore, most innovators are not aware of the vast network of programs available to support them.
Attendees will hear directly from program leaders and, in some cases, from innovators who have used these programs and can share their experiences.
Program goals
- Increase awareness within the innovation community of the resources and services provided by the community program and the USPTO
- Promote the value of obtaining and maintaining intellectual property
- Promote innovation and invention
Agenda
(Subject to change. All times are in Eastern Time.)
| Time | Topic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2–2:05 p.m. | Program welcome and overview | Carlos Gutierrez, Innovation Outreach Specialist, Office of Public Engagement, USPTO |
| 2:05–2:25 p.m. | Fireside Chat | Carlos Gutierrez, Innovation Outreach Specialist, Office of Public Engagement, USPTO Presenter: Lindsay Schuenke, Senior Director of Community, International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) |
| 2:25–3:15 p.m. | Insights and updates from the InBIA | Carlos Gutierrez, Innovation Outreach Specialist, Office of Public Engagement, USPTO Panelists: Lindsay Schuenke, Senior Director of Community, International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) Nakia Melicio, Senior Research Faculty, Georgia Tech Krista Covey, First Flight Venture Center Sandra Cochrane, Director, WMed Innovation Center |
| 3:15–3:45 p.m. | Resources from USPTO | Carlos Gutierrez, Innovation Outreach Specialist, Office of Public Engagement, USPTO |
| 3:45–3:50 p.m. | Closing remarks | Carlos Gutierrez, Innovation Outreach Specialist, Office of Public Engagement, USPTO |
For more information, questions, or comments, please email OPEEvents@uspto.gov.
This event is educational and informational. The USPTO does not provide legal advice, endorse private entities, or guarantee outcomes. References to events or third parties do not imply endorsement.
Accessibility accommodation
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please submit your request to the contact information listed above.