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Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC)

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

Event Series (online and in-person)

The Entrepreneurship Research Workshops help inventors and entrepreneurs learn how to protect their intellectual property and support their business through research.

 

For dates and more information about our Spring Schedule, please go to the Entrepreneurship Research Workshops Guide.

Our Rocky Mountain Regional and USPTO have some great virtual workshop series via WebEx over the next few months that are FREE and open to the public. They also have many sessions offered in English and Spanish for our bilingual patrons, if wanting Spanish version click on Spanish title instead of English title of session. If interested please visit: Rocky Mountain Region Events. For more information, contact Jessica Pierpoint. For accessibility requests, or for more information, please call 303-297-4600, email rockymountain@uspto.gov or visit us online at Rocky Mountain Regional USPTO.

 

January 28th-30th (3 day workshop): Learn the fundamentals of the patent application process

  • Are you unfamiliar with the patent filing process? Are you a first-time application filer or new to Patent Center? Are you unsure where to start? Get a “head StART” and learn the fundamentals of the patent application process during a free, virtual three-day workshop held January 28-30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The Stakeholder Application Readiness Training (StART) is for independent inventors, entrepreneurs, and anyone working for or with a small business who want to file patent applications without assistance from a registered patent agent or attorney. You may also receive expert assistance during one-on-one breakout sessions. 

February 10th: 2023 Black Innovation and Entrepreneurship program, part one-Protecting Your IP

February 24th: 2023 Black Innovation and Entrepreneurship program, part two-Invest in Ideas

February 20th: USPTO Cultural Creativity, Global Impact. Highlighting unique perspectives HBCU students bring to the global stage

  • Learn about the HBCU student and alumni entrepreneurship journey, financial resources, IP protection, and more. 

 

Our Rocky Mountain Regional and USPTO have some great virtual workshop series via WebEx over the next few months that are FREE and open to the public. They also have many sessions offered in English and Spanish for our bilingual patrons, if wanting Spanish version click on Spanish title instead of English title of session. If interested please visit: Rocky Mountain Region Events. For more information, contact Jessica Pierpoint. For accessibility requests, or for more information, please call 303-297-4600, email rockymountain@uspto.gov or visit us online at Rocky Mountain Regional USPTO.

 

Federal Trademark Searching Overview ( Feb. 7th, Feb. 21, Mar. 7th, Mar. 21st, April 4th, April 18th, May 2nd)

  • This webinar will introduce you to the fundamental mechanics of using our trademark search system. It’s geared toward new users and those interested in conducting basic searches. We’ll cover: why you should search, basic search strategy, common searches, and finding help.

Federal Trademark Filing: Overview ( Feb. 14th, Feb. 28th, Mar. 14th Mar. 28th, April 11th, April 28th, May 9th)

  • Do you want to learn the fundamentals of our new filing system in Trademark Center? Whether you’re a small business owner preparing your application or an experienced practitioner interested in a new filing method, you can join this webinar to learn more. This webinar will introduce you to our new filing system and include: Trademark Center basics, pre-filing checklist, filing demonstration, and where to find help.

Our Rocky Mountain Regional and USPTO have some great virtual workshop series via WebEx over the next few months that are FREE and open to the public. They also have many sessions offered in English and Spanish for our bilingual patrons, if wanting Spanish version click on Spanish title instead of English title of session. If interested please visit: Rocky Mountain Region Events. For more information, contact Jessica Pierpoint. For accessibility requests, or for more information, please call 303-297-4600, email rockymountain@uspto.gov or visit us online at Rocky Mountain Regional USPTO.

Join USPTO, in this bilingual IP series that showcases all the basic IP knowledge. Depending on if you want English or Spanish listening, tune in on these virtual webinars!

February 5th: Busque como un examinador

Our Rocky Mountain Regional and USPTO have some great virtual workshop series via WebEx over the next few months that are FREE and open to the public. They also have many sessions offered in English and Spanish for our bilingual patrons, if wanting Spanish version click on Spanish title instead of English title of session. If interested please visit: Rocky Mountain Region Events. For more information, contact Jessica Pierpoint. For accessibility requests, or for more information, please call 303-297-4600, email rockymountain@uspto.gov or visit us online at Rocky Mountain Regional USPTO.

The Path to a Patent series (an 8-part series that is weekly on Thursdays)

February 6th: Searching

February 27th: Understanding Role of Claims in Patent Application

March 6th: Pursuing Patent Application Abroad

March 20th: How to File Patent Application Using Patent Center

March 27th: Common Mistakes and Post-Filing Support

Our Rocky Mountain Regional and USPTO have some great virtual workshop series via WebEx over the next few months that are FREE and open to the public. They also have many sessions offered in English and Spanish for our bilingual patrons, if wanting Spanish version click on Spanish title instead of English title of session. If interested please visit: Rocky Mountain Region Events. For more information, contact Jessica Pierpoint. For accessibility requests, or for more information, please call 303-297-4600, email rockymountain@uspto.gov or visit us online at Rocky Mountain Regional USPTO.

Trademark Basics Boot Camp (an 8-part series that is weekly on Tuesdays)

January 28th: Application Requirements

February 4th: Application Filing Walk-through

February 11th: Responding to Office Action

February 18th: Keeping Registration Alive

February 25th: Q&A Panel

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.

 

 

For more resource information, check out our Inventors for All Ages Guide. 

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

PTRC Logo 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)
  • USPTO Kids (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for K-12)

Local virtual and in-person events involving Intellectual Property

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

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. ​

Wichita State University Libraries, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0068 | Phone: (316) 978-3481 | Comments/Suggestions | Facebook Instagram X