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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 Fall 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.

August 8th: Fashion Beauty, and, Intellectual Property-Handbags

The Fashion, Beauty, and IP series is a collection of webinars and hybrid events that cover fashion, beauty, and accessories in relation to IP protection. So, turn the pages or swipe left and right with us as we uncover the ins and outs of authentic brands, historical dress, sustainable fashion, traditional heritage dress and pattern protection, wearable tech, and more.

August 16th: Invention Con 2024-Explaning your Intellectual Property Potential

Do you want to grow your intellectual property (IP) knowledge and gain access to resources, business experts, and accomplished innovators? Then join us for the United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) free, flagship conference for inventors, makers, and entrepreneurs. 

August 29th: Don't roll the dice on IP-Protecting creativity in the tabletop world

Whether you're a game designer, legal professional, or avid enthusiast, this discussion will provide valuable perspectives on safeguarding innovation and creativity in tabletop gaming.

 

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.

August 2nd: Federal Trademark Filing Overview

August 7th: Trademark Basics Fundamentals 

August 9th: Federal Trademark Searching Overview

August 16th: Federal Trademark Filing Overview

August 23rd: Federal Trademark Searching Overview

August 30th: Federal Trademark Filing Overview

 

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!

 

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)

August 1st: Learn How to Draft Patent Application

August 8th: Understanding the Role of Claims in Patent Application

August 22nd: Learn How to Protect your IP Abroad

August 29th: How to File Patent Application Using Patent Center

September 12th: 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)

August 6th: Application Filing Walk-Through

August 13th: Responding to an Office Action

August 20th: Keeping Your Registration Alive

August 27th: Question-and-Answer Panel

Successful Inventing Series

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

1 Million Cups

Combines coffee and donuts with conversation and entrepreneurs. 

  • Attend 1 Million Cup Event held every Wednesday at Groover Labs. 
  • Network and grab your breakfast.
  • Present your story or listen to others pitch there journey stories and experiences. Get to be part of Q&A panel.  
  • Meet the Organizers and further networking. 

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