Please join the USPTO's webinar Thursday, May 21st, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (EST) to introduce the Pro Se, Pro Bono, and the Law School Clinic Certification Programs to all interested inventors and small businesses. The webinar will help individuals learn how to file a patent application and how to obtain free or reduced fee legal assistance for patent matters.
Event Agenda
| Time | Topic |
| 2:00 - 2:10 | Opening Remarks |
| 2:10 - 3:00 | Patent Pro Bono Panel Discussion |
| 3:00 - 3:10 | Break |
| 3:10 - 4:00 | Law School Clinic Certification Program |
| 4:00 - 4:10 | Break |
| 4:10 - 5:00 | Pro Se Program |
The webinar is free and open to all. There will be an attendee question and answer session included in each segment.
Materials
Slides:
Video:
Speakers:
- Jennifer M. McDowell, USPTO Pro Bono Program Coordinator
- Jennifer Harchick, USPTO, Office of Enrollment and Discipline
- James H. Patterson, Patterson Thuente IP, Co-Founder
- Miriam DeChant, Arts + Business Council of Greater Philadelphia
- Megan Carpenter, Director, Center for Law and Intellectual Property (CLIP)
- Professor Victoria Phillips, Director, Glushko-Samuelson Intellectual Property Law Clinic
- Clinical Director Patricia E. Campbell, Law School Associate Professor
Resources
Patent Pro Bono Program
Network of nonprofit organizations and law schools tasked with assisting qualified financially under resourced inventors and small businesses in obtaining patent prosecution support from volunteer attorneys.
Pro Se Assistance Program
Inventors who are representing themselves without the advice of registered practitioners may be eligible for support from the USPTO in the form of training and information to help them navigate the complex process of obtaining a patent.
Law School Clinic Certification Program
The USPTO Law School Clinic Certification Program allows law students enrolled in a participating law school's clinic program to practice patent and/or trademark law before the USPTO under the strict guidance of a Law School Faculty Clinic Supervisor.
Ombudsman Program
Provides help to applicants when things do not go as planned in the normal prosecution process.
Patent and Trademark Resource Centers
Nationwide network of public, state and academic libraries that are designated to disseminate patent and trademark information and to support the diverse intellectual property needs of the public. Specially trained librarians curate collections, assist with the use of search tools, and can connect you to training from local small business development and inventor organizations.
Inventors Assistance Center
Provides patent information and services to the public.