LibGuides: Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC): Home

Introduction

Welcome to the research guide for patents, trademarks & copyright.

Wichita State University Libraries is one of 87 U.S. Patent and Trademark Research Centers (PTRCs) in the country and the only PTRC in Kansas. Since receiving this designation in 1991, we have received copies of U.S. patents and a variety of patent and trademark searching tools in both print and electronic formats, as well as extensive training in providing patent and trademark research assistance. The Library is open to the public, and we assist with preliminary patent and trademark research by appointment at no charge.

PTRC library staff are trained to use search tools to access patent and trademark information and offer assistance with various patent, trademark, and copyright consultation questions. Please note that we cannot perform patent or trademark searches for individuals and cannot give legal advice. For legal advice, please contact a registered patent attorney or agent. More specialized questions should be directed to the USPTO. Please contact Jessica Pierpoint for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Books on a variety of business and intellectual property topics
Databases for industry and consumer research
Entrepreneurship Research Series workshops taught by:
- Jessica Pierpoint, Library Patent and Trademark Specialist
- Meghann Kuhlmann, Business Librarian
Virtual presentations given by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and Rocky Mountain Regional Office
One-on-one consultations to help you with business, patent, or trademark research
Online research guides for entrepreneurs, business research, and intellectual property

PTRC librarians are typically available from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

WSU Visitor Parking and Parking Map

Ablah Library Hours

Click the image to learn more about PTRCs.

For Copyright related questions go to: U.S. Copyright Office.

WSU PTRC (Patent and Trademark Resource Center)
- Feel free to check out our PTRC table filled with physical resources.
  - located on first floor, near Reference materials.
USPTO (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office)
- Journey of Innovation: Once a month relatable stories that chronical journey of inventors and entrepreneurs.
- Inclusive Innovation: Find many resources about equity IP support with learning and engaging links.
- Access Free Services: Tons of links to Patent, Trademark, Attorney and Business Advisors free services.
- Inventor and Entrepreneur Resources: Tons of links from getting started to applying and everything in-between.
- Empowering Women's Entrepreneurship (WE): Community space to encourage and empower more women founders across U.S.
USPTO Kids (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for K-12)
- For more information, please go to the Inventors for All Ages Guide.

Local virtual and in-person events involving Intellectual Property

Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC)

SBA learning platform: Ascent

Ignitor 8-week Program

A series of entrepreneurial classes with plans of focus depending on the stage you are at.

Ignitor 1.0, helps spark your ideas into business in just 8 weeks.
Ignitor 2.0, helps validate your business concept with proven techniques.

*Free program for all WSU and Wichita Community

SCORE (Wichita)

Mentors and business planning assistance

Create Campaign, Inc.: Spark Community Business Academy

12-week program

NXTSTAGE Customer Traction Cohort

Residents of Kansas with a household income of $150,000 or less may qualify for FREE education for in-demand careers through the Level Up Kansas program.

Programs and getting started