Invention-Con 2019 takes attendees to the market

Invention-Con 2019 takes attendees to the market

Innovators, small business owners, students, IP lawyers, educators, and entrepreneurs from across the country converged at and tuned in online for the Invention-Con 2019 conference held at the USPTO’s headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia on September 13–14. This year’s theme was “Leveraging Your Intellectual Property in the Marketplace.” Invention-Con is an annual USPTO outreach platform for inventors, makers, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and IP professionals.

USPTO leadership, including Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the USPTO Laura Peter, Deputy Commissioner for Patent Operations Andy Faile, and Commissioner for Trademarks Mary Boney Denison welcomed attendees to the two-day event. A schedule packed with information and practical tips on all aspects of IP commercialization followed. Government experts, successful inventors and entrepreneurs, and legal professionals offered advice on a wide variety of key topics, including free resources available to inventors and entrepreneurs, effective business planning, and funding. The conference also featured workshops on branding, the global marketplace, and how artificial intelligence can help small businesses.

One of the highlights of the event was the keynote address by award-winning CEO Kavita Shukla of The Freshglow Co. Shulka shared the insights she gained as she created and brought to market Freshpaper, a unique innovation that addresses the massive global challenge of food waste and is now used by farmers and families worldwide. Her journey from idea all the way to invention and success inspired the audience.

In addition to presentations and discussions, the event offered chances to explore individual interests. USPTO patent examiners offered one-on-one Q&As, and networking sessions allowed attendees to build new connections.

Attendees praised the lineup of speakers and the valuable information they gained at the event.

One attendee noted that the knowledge and enthusiasm of the presenters and their willingness to help was, “awesome for those of us who don’t understand or are intimidated by the patent process.”

Invention-Con will return next year, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Disclaimer
The USPTO gives you useful information and non-legal advice in the areas of patents and trademarks. The patent and trademark statutes and regulations should be consulted before attempting to apply for a patent or register a trademark. These laws and the application process can be complicated. If you have intellectual property that could be patented or registered as a trademark, the use of an attorney or agent who is qualified to represent you in the USPTO is advised.

The USPTO gives you useful information and non-legal advice in the areas of patents and trademarks. The patent and trademark statutes and regulations should be consulted before attempting to apply for a patent or register a trademark. These laws and the application process can be complicated. If you have intellectual property that could be patented or registered as a trademark, the use of an attorney or agent who is qualified to represent you in the USPTO is advised.

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