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Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC)

General guide for Patents, Trademarks & Copyright at Wichita State University

Getting Started

The Basics to Know: 

  • Intellectual Property (IP): Can consist of patents. trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. IP is something created from nothing ever been invented before.
    • Patents: Protects a form of invention or something created.
    • Trademarks: Protects brand or company name and/or design. Can also protect sound or smells. 
    • Copyright: Protects a artistic or literacy piece of work. 
    • Trade Secret: Confidential information that is not shared within company or business. Some might start with a trade secret that then turns into something patentable, trademarked, or copy written. 

What can we offer as a resource:

  • Collaboration with Educators and School Librarians
  • Educational Guidance Supplement Tools from USPTO
  • Books and Resources (in-house and electronic)

Resources of All Types

USPTO Kids

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has created a learning platform for Kids and K-12 educators. Weather your a STEM educator or wanting to teach the importance of inventorship and entrepreneurship to your students. Make learning fun with downloads, videos, activities, and more!

 

Kids: Young inventors know IP can be found anywhere!

Teens: Everything IP collides in this one spot!

Patents and Teachers: No matter the age range your working with IP can be taught to all (K-12 sectioned resources)

K-12 Education Resource Office Hours (held once a month)

Office hours provide an informal way for educators and learners to connect with the USPTO's Office of Education on a regular basis. As educators and learners you can ask questions regarding intellectual property, USPTO resources, and explore ideas for integrating intellectual property concepts into various subject matter.

Inventor Collectible Cards: collect them all and help encourage future generations of innovators. 

IP Patch: In joint partnership between Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital (GSCNC) and USPTO. 

USPTO Kids Collaboration and other Government Resources

 

Maker Labs in the local area : 

  • WSU Ablah Library C-Space
  • WSU Go-Create
  • Advanced Learning Library (Wichita Public Library-Downtown Branch)
  • Groover Labs
  • MakeICT
Wichita State University Libraries, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0068 | Phone: (316) 978-3481 | Comments/Suggestions | Facebook Instagram X