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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
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
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.