Join the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) for a webinar on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and intellectual property on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. ET.
This webinar features insights from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Attendees will learn about SBIR funding opportunities, the value of protecting inventions and brands, and free USPTO resources that support innovators and entrepreneurs.
Program goals:
- Increase awareness of USPTO resources and services
- Promote the value of obtaining and maintaining intellectual property
- Support innovation and invention
What you will learn:
- How the SBIR program supports early-stage research and development NIST specific
- SBIR program information
- Why patents and trademarks matter for small businesses
- How to access free USPTO resources and support programs
This program is for:
- SBIR applicants and awardees
- Small business owners
- Entrepreneurs and startups
- Researchers and innovators
- Anyone interested in commercializing new technology
Agenda
(Subject to change. All times ET)
| Time | Topic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2-2:03 p.m. | Program welcome and overview | Carlos Gutierrez, Innovation Outreach Specialist, Office of Public Engagement, USPTO |
| 2:03-3:05 p.m. | Insights and updates from the NIST SBIR program | Carlos Gutierrez, Innovation Outreach Specialist, Office of Public Engagement, USPTO Panelists: Jacqueline D. Gray, SBIR Program Manager, Technical Partnership Office in the Small Business Innovation Research Program, NIST Scott Dockum, SBIR Program Manager, NIST Small Business Innovation Research Program, NIST Courtney Grate, Interagency Policy and iEdison Specialist, Technology Partnerships Office, NIST |
| 3:05-3:35 p.m. | Resources from USPTO | Elizabeth Dougherty, Southeast Regional Outreach Office Director, USPTO |
| 3:35-3:40 p.m. | Closing | Carlos Gutierrez, Innovation Outreach Specialist, Office of Public Engagement, USPTO |
This program is a collaboration between the USPTO and SBA and is part of an annual quarterly webinar series, Intellectual property and SBIR/STTR, designed to cover the basics of IP and provide updates and information about upcoming SBIR/STTR solicitations.
For more information, or if you have any questions or comments, please email us at OPEEvents@uspto.gov.
This initiative 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.