Invention-Con 2017 is a free, two-day independent inventors’ conference to inform and equip inventors and small businesses with intellectual property know-how! Registration is currently closed. For additional information, send an email to Office of Innovation Development (OID) Events.
Invention-Con 2017, at USPTO headquarters, developed a comprehensive agenda where attendees may participate in plenary talks, join in topic specific, small-group breakout sessions, and hear from USPTO officials and experts who will present information on patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property (IP) matters and topics of interest to inventors and small businesses. Review USPTO executives and other speaker and presenter biographies and related resources.
Patent-related Topics for Discussion
- What are the different types of patent applications that can be filed? And what are each useful for?
- What are requirements for filing a patent application and how do I file electronically?
- In a patent application, what are the requirements for the claims? The drawings?
- Do I need to search an invention before filing a patent application? How do I do that?
- How exactly does the patent examination process work? And are there any resources to help me navigate it?
Trademark-related Topics for Discussion
- What are the different types of trademark applications that can be filed? And what are each useful for?
- What are requirements for filing a trademark application and how do I file electronically?
- How exactly does the trademark examination process work? How about the trademark appeal process? And are there any resources to help me navigate these?
Agenda | ||
| Time (ET) | Topic | Speakers |
Friday, August 11, 2017 | ||
| 8:00-8:45 | Registration and Resource Booths Open | |
Opening Plenary Session (Madison Auditorium) | ||
| 8:45-8:55 | Introductions |
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| 8:55-9:00 | Welcome |
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| 9:00-10:00 |
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| Inventor Testimony, Regarding Patent & Trademark Application Processes |
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| 10:00-10:45 | Keynote: You’ve Got a Great Idea… What’s Next? |
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| 10:45-11:15 | Break and Resource Booths Open |
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| Breakout Sessions (See Booklet for Location) | ||
| 11:15-12:15 | Topic 1 - Patent Basics |
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| Topic 2 - Trademark Basics |
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| Topic 3 - Patents - How to Search Your Invention |
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| Topic 4 - Trademark Website Resources and Tools |
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| Topic 5 -Filing for a Patent |
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| Customer Focus Session 1 - How Can the USPTO Enhance Trademark Search and e-Filing Systems |
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Customer Focus Session 2 - Pro Se Assistance Program |
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| Lunch | ||
| 12:15-1:15 | Lunch Break
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| Plenary Session (Madison Auditorium) | ||
| 1:15-2:15 | Panel Discussion I – Resources and Tips |
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| Inventor Groups and Licensing |
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| Overcoming Hurdles with the Patent Application Process |
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| Optimizing Meetings with an Attorney |
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| Patents & Trademark Assistance Resources |
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| 2:15-3:00 | Keynote - USPTO Commissioner for Patents |
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| 3:00-4:00 | Panel Discussion II – Backyard Resources |
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| Small Business Administration (SBA) |
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| Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) |
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| Small Business Administration (SBA) |
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| Economic Development Administration (EDA) |
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| USPTO Regional Offices |
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| 4:00-4:30 | Break and Resource Booths Open | |
| Breakout Sessions (See Booklet for Location) | ||
| 4:30-5:30 | Topic 1 - Patent Basics |
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| Topic 2 - Trademark Basics |
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Topic 3 - Patents - How to Search Your Invention |
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| Topic 4 - Trademark Website Resources and Tools |
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Topic 5 - Common Mistakes when Filing a Patent Application, includng Filing Petitions |
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| Customer Focus Session 3 – When Should You Use the Patents Ombudsman Program? |
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| Customer Focus Session 4 – How to Increase Awareness of the Pro Bono Program? |
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| 5:30-6:30 | One-on-One Assistance | |
| 5:30-7:00 | Network with PTO Experts, Resource Booths Open | |
Saturday, August 12, 2017 | ||
| 8:00-8:45 | Registration | |
| 8:45-9:00 | Opening Remarks |
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| 9:00-9:45 | Panel - Young Inventor and Entrepreneurs |
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Inventor of “Tip Tough" |
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| Inventors of “The Floodie” |
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| Young Maker/ Entrepreneur |
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| 9:45-10:30 | Keynote: Marketing your Invention |
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| 10:30-11:00 | Break | |
Breakout Sessions (See Booklet for Location) | ||
| 11:00-12:00 | Topic 1 - International Protection |
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| Topic 2 - Utility Patents- Claim Drafting Workshop |
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| Topic 3 - Design Patent Application Drawing Requirements |
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| Topic 4 - Trademarks - Filing Requirements and How to File Online with TEAS |
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| Lunch | ||
| 12:00-1:00 | See registration table for a list of dining options. | |
| 1:00-2:00 | Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) Proceedings: Appeals of Examiners’ Decisions and Trials |
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| 2:00-2:30 | Break | |
Breakout Sessions (See Booklet for Location) | ||
| 2:30-3:30 | Topic 1 - International Protection |
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| Topic 2 - The Patent Examination Process |
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Topic 3 - The Trademark Examination Process |
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| Topic 4 - Litigation: Enforcing or Defending Your Rights - Patents and Trademarks |
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| 3:30-3:45 | Break | |
| 3:45-4:45 | Panel - FREE Legal Services |
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| Pro Bono Program |
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| Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts |
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| Law School Clinics |
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| 4:45-5:00 | Closing Remarks |
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Resources for Inventors and Entrepreneurs
- Innovation Development webpage provides inventors and entrepreneurs with patents, trademarks and IP education.
- Pro Se Assistance Program provides help for applicants filing without a patent attorney
- Invention-Con 2017 Program booklet contains a complete description of the events plus links to more key resources.