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Turning Ideas Into Impact
Innovation and Intellectual Property Resources
Innovation is at the heart of FIRST®. Here, you’ll find guidance from industry experts, stories from FIRST teams, and tools to help you turn your ideas into solutions that make a difference.
FIRST Innovation in the News
FIRST Team Inventions That Made Their Mark
From improving the water cycle to creating innovative solutions for waste management, FIRST students are turning their inventions into reality, earning patents and launching businesses. Explore recent stories from FIRST teams and alumni below.
Team Phenomena “Pheno-Advance”
Created an affordable device to help children with mobility challenges. Using skills from FIRST, they refined the design with mentors and tested it with therapists, gaining national recognition on CBS This Morning.Team NXTreme “PickUp Patrol”
Developed a mobile app to streamline school dismissal. FIRST LEGO League skills helped them survey users, refine features, and launch in districts nationwide, improving safety and efficiency for parents and staff.Crescent Valley Robotics "BroccoliBot"
Earned a U.S. patent for a mechanism improving safety in robotics and machinery. They applied FIRST documentation skills to prepare their patent with mentor support, ensuring clarity and strong technical detail.Team GEKOT E-Scooter Safety Device
Designed a retrofit device to improve e-scooter stability and security. Through FIRST, they conducted research, partnered with transportation experts, and presented to the USPTO, earning formal recognition.
Tools & Guidance
A Step-by-Step IP Guide to Protecting Your Ideas
Follow these steps to take your idea from a concept to a competition-ready invention — or even a real-world product. These resources combine advice from FIRST teams and engineers to in-depth guides provided by intellectual property (IP) experts.
Step 1: Spark Your Ideas with Tips from Teams and Pros
Spark Your Ideas with Tips from Teams and Pros
Start your journey with inspiration and proven advice from teams and engineers who’ve turned creative ideas into reality.- Innovation Tips Playlist from BAE Systems engineers: Advice on problem-solving, prototyping, and pitching.
- Innovation Tips Blog from FIRST LEGO League Innovation Ambassadors: Insights from teams who’ve turned ideas into impact.
Step 2: Plan Your Path to Market
Plan Your Path to Market: Business Models & Entrepreneurship
Before you build, think about how your solution will be used, who will benefit, and what it will take to make it real.
- Short video on the Business Model Canvas: A tool for mapping your value, customers, and logistics.
- MARS Discovery District: Provides comprehensive guides on Business Model Design, How to Build a Great Pitch, and more.
- Business Models Inc.: Free templates and examples to learn about business models and refine your product strategy.
Step 3: Protect Your Big Idea with IP Education
Protect Your Big Idea: IP Basics
Intellectual Property (IP) is an important part of inventing. Start with the basics and then explore more advanced tools.- What is Intellectual Property (IP)? - WIPO: A beginner-friendly guide to patents, trademarks and copyrights.
- USPTO Education Video for FIRST Teams: Made for FIRST teams by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Education and Outreach team.
- USPTO Kids Pages: Games and activities that make IP learning fun.
Step 4: Research Before You Build with Patent Searches
Research Before You Build: Patent Searches
Before filing for a patent, check what’s already out there and explore related inventions.Step 5: File Patents & Provisional Applications with Confidence
File with Confidence: Patents & Provisional Applications
When you’re ready to protect your idea, these resources can guide you through the process:
- Roadmap to Filing a Patent Application: Full journey from idea to grant.
- Filing a Provisional Patent: USPTO guidance on how to prepare and submit your application
- Have Questions? Contact the USPTO Inventor Assistance Center (IAC). The USPTO has a hotline that inventors can call; it does not provide legal advice but can answer questions on rules and applications.
Step 6: Get the Right Help with Pro Se and Pro Bono Support
Get the Right Help: Pro Se and Pro Bono Support
Extra guidance and legal support is available through USPTO programs and resources.
- Pro Se Assistance Program: USPTO program for “pro se” applicants filing a patent without the assistance of a registered patent attorney or agent.
- Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs): Use this map to identify PTRCs in your region where you’ll have public access to products and services, patent and trademark training, and reference assistance and outreach.
- USPTO Pro Bono Program: Free legal assistance for eligible inventors and small businesses. Use this map to identify pro bono coverage by region.
USPTO Law School Clinic Certification Program: Work with law students under faculty supervision to prepare your application.