Resources for innovators and inventors from learning how to protect your idea through patenting and basic intellectual property information.

• How Do I Protect My Invention?
  A quick intro to what patents and trademarks are.
   
• Guide to Applying for a Patent (updated August 28, 2019)
  Introductory step-by-step guide for any team interested in protecting their intellectual property, including the United States provisional patent process, how a full United States utility patent works, and advice for patenting in other countries.

Intellectual Property Resources

• PCT – The International Patent System
• United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
• What is Intellectual Property?

Guide from the World Intellectual Property Organization

• Video: Roadmap to Filing a Patent Application

From the USPTO

• Patent Databases
  • USPTO
  • USPTO Kids Pages
  • Basic 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.
  • Filing a Provisional Patent (recommended for all FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award Semi-Finalists)
  • Espacenet from the European Patent Office
• USPTO Video: Dean Kamen talks about patents in the National Inventors Hall of Fame during the Sixth Annual Global Innovation Award on June 22, 2016.

Finding a Pro Bono Patent Attorney in the United States

• Meet with a librarian at a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC)
• USPTO Pro-Bono program - Inventors and small businesses that meet certain financial thresholds and other criteria may be eligible for free legal assistance in preparing and filing a patent application.  Pro Bono coverage map for US.
• USPTO Law School Clinics – The Law School Clinic Certification program allows law students enrolled in a participating law school's clinic program to practice Intellectual Property Law before the USPTO under the strict guidance of a Law School Faculty Clinic Supervisor.  

Please see the Global Innovation Guidelines for helpful tools and inspiring reads to help you innovate.

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