USPTO to Host 11th Annual Independent Inventors Conference Sept 8-9—Register Now!

Top officials from the United States Patent and Trademark Office and successful inventors and entrepreneurs will headline the agency’s annual Independent Inventors Conference.  The event will be held September 8-9 at the USPTO’s Alexandria, Virginia headquarters.  First time attendees are invited to participate in a pre-conference from 5-7 p.m. on September 7.  The pre-conference—a basic primer on patents and trademarks—is included in the registration fee.

This year’s conference speakers include Stephen M. Pinkos, Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property, John Doll, Commissioner for Patents, and Lynne Beresford, Commissioner for Trademarks.  Gregory Hart, a finalist in the History Channels’ recent Modern Marvels Invent Now competition, will make a presentation on the development and marketing of his invention.   Louis Foreman, CEO of Enventys, a product design and marketing company who works with independent inventors and corporations will also share his expertise.   Louis Foreman is also executive producer of the upcoming PBS series, Everyday Edisons.

Don’t delay; space is limited register now at www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/iip/iiconf/.

Small Business Seminars Set for Minneapolis and Providence

Registration is now open for Small Business Seminars scheduled for September 11-12 in Minneapolis, MN and September 18 in Providence, RI.

Minneapolis (September 11-12): http://www.SignUp4.net/Public/ap.aspx?EID=IPAC24E
Providence (September 18):  http://www.signup4.net/public/ap.aspx?EID=IPAC25E

Conference on Protecting Your Intellectual Property in China and the Global Marketplace Set for Boston

Registration is now open for a two-day, free program on "China's Impact on Intellectual Property: Protecting Your Intellectual Property in China and the Global Marketplace ", to be held on Wednesday and Thursday, September 27-28, 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Boston (September 27-28): http://www.signup4.net/Public/ap.aspx?EID=IPAC26E

USPTO Requesting More Timely and Useful Information From Patent Applicants
Proposal Would Improve Patent Quality and May Bring Quicker Decisions

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote investment in innovation and spur economic growth, the Department of Commerce’s U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced a new proposal that would streamline and improve the patent application review process. The new proposal would encourage patent applicants to provide the USPTO the most relevant information related to their inventions in the early stages of the review process.

“Clear disclosure upfront by applicants helps examiners more quickly make the correct decision about whether a claimed invention deserves a patent,” noted Jon Dudas, under secretary of commerce for intellectual property. “Clear, forthright disclosure benefits all, because the public – including potential investors - wants to know that a patent application has been thoroughly reviewed, applying the best data available.”

Read full story and view proposal …

USPTO To Give Patent Filers Accelerated Review Option
Proposal would guarantee final decision in 12 months

The Department of Commerce’s United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is publishing procedures setting forth requirements for patent applicants who want, within 12 months, a final decision by the examiner on whether their application for a patent will be granted or denied.  To be eligible for “accelerated examination,” applicants who file under this procedure will be required to provide specific information so that review of the application can be completed rapidly and accurately.

Read full press release. or View text of Federal Register notice. [PDF viewer required]

"Protect Your Intellectual Property in Europe" - September 7th Seminar, Washington, D.C.

Registration information [PDF viewer required]
Agenda [PDF viewer required]