If you would like to schedule an individual consultation or have questions about our workshops, please contact:
Jessica Pierpoint (Patents, Trademarks, and Copyright)
jessica.pierpoint@wichita.edu
(316) 978-5074
Nicholas Wyant (Engineering, Patents, Trademarks, and Copyright)
nicholas.wyant@wichita.edu
(316) 978-5017
Meghann Kuhlmann (Business Research)
meghann.kuhlmann@wichita.edu
(316) 978-5075
The Entrepreneurship Research Workshops help inventors and entrepreneurs learn how to protect their intellectual property and support their business through research.
Spring 2023 Workshop Schedule:
Click on the date/time link below to register for each event.
Intellectual Property Basics
Learn the basics of intellectual property (IP) protection, from patents and trademarks to copyright and trade secrets.
Trademark Basics
Discover the difference between a trademark, service mark, and registered mark. Then, learn how to search for existing marks and logos and walk through the online trademark application process.
Market Research for Startups
Successful business ideas require reliable data - learn what information you need and where to find it.
Learn resources and strategies for market research - discover industry trends, identify competitors at home and abroad, determine your target market and find where your best customers are located.
Patent Basics
This workshop will introduce new inventors to types of patents and applications, patent eligibility, parts of a patent, how to find free legal assistance, patent searching, and more.
This is a basic hands-on workshop intended to take some of the mystery out of patent searching. The goal is to show you the tools of patent searching so that you can continue the search on your own. Patent attorneys and their teams can also do a patent search for you (for a fee) or in addition to your search, but it helps to be familiar with the process and to take advantage of free databases. We will explore the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's patent databases, the European Patent Office's patent database, and Google Patents using keywords and the patent classification system.
Intellectual Property Basics
Learn the basics of intellectual property (IP) protection, from patents and trademarks to copyright and trade secrets.
Patent Basics for New Inventors
This workshop will introduce new inventors to types of patents and applications, patent eligibility, parts of a patent, how to find free legal assistance, patent searching, and more.
This is a basic hands-on workshop intended to take some of the mystery out of patent searching. The goal is to show you the tools of patent searching so that you can continue the search on your own. Patent attorneys and their teams can also do a patent search for you (for a fee) or in addition to your search, but it helps to be familiar with the process and to take advantage of free databases. We will explore the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's patent databases, the European Patent Office's patent database, and Google Patents using keywords and the patent classification system.
Trademark Basics: Protect Your Business Name
Discover the difference between a trademark, service mark, and registered mark. Then, learn how to search for existing marks and logos and walk through the online trademark application process.
Market Research for Startups
Successful business plans require reliable data - learn what information you need and where to find it.
Learn resources and strategies for market research - discover industry trends, identify competitors at home and abroad, determine your target market and find where your best customers are located.
Events at WSU
Check out community event calendars at:
Find other inventors at the Inventors Association of South Central Kansas
The Inventors Association of South Central Kansas (IASCK) meets at WSU in the John Bardo Center, Room 264, on the 4th Monday of every month. Members pay $65 per year but your first visit is free to check out. Attendees and members are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement so that people may share their ideas and collaborate. The organization generally invites a guest speaker each month to share knowledge of patents, marketing strategies, crowdfunding, etc. To learn more about the organization and schedule, visit http://www.inventkansas.com/.
Support local start-ups with 1 Million Cups
1 Million Cups is an organization that provides entrepreneurs with a platform to share their start-up and existing businesses with their local community in an effort to grow and find solutions. These events take place at the Advanced Learning Library (the central branch of the Wichita Public Library located at 711 W. 2nd St. N.) from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays. Attendance is free. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for networking. Free coffee provided by Reverie Coffee Roasters.
To learn more and to see the next event date, visit: http://www.1millioncups.com/wichita
To watch the live video stream and past recorded events, visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg1XiQCrWMBvtf81Ulyc6AQ
Find a MakerSpace
Makerspaces are the latest trend for inventors looking to create a prototype or for a small business looking for a way to craft their goods. They also provide a great opportunity for makers to meet and collaborate on projects. If you want to check out the large variety of makers in the Wichita area, consider visiting the Wichita Mini Maker Faire at Exploration Place.
A couple of prominent makerspaces include:
