USPTO Path to a Patent Series – Part III: Patent searching

Interested in protecting your intellectual property? Our Path to a Patent series covers all the basics and much, much more.

About this event

The Path to a Patent quarterly series covers everything from intellectual property basics, to patent searching, to what you’ll need to draft and submit your patent application. The series is part of our ongoing intellectual property training for independent inventors, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.

All events are free and open to the public. To sign up for sessions of interest or the entire series, click the “Register” button.

Part III: Patent searching

Thursday, October 21, 2021, 2 – 3:30 p.m. ET

Are you interested in learning more about patent searching? Attend this virtual session and learn from USPTO experts about preliminary searching, using the suggested Seven-Step Strategy, tips and resources for searching, and more.

Part IV: Learn how to draft a patent application

Thursday, November 4, 2021, 2 – 3:30 p.m. ET

Understanding patent application drafting is a vital step in protecting your invention. Attend this virtual workshop and learn from USPTO experts about the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as how to avoid common mistakes.

To gain the most from this workshop, we suggest participants have an intermediate knowledge of the intellectual property system and patents specifically. We recommend that you take the previous course, Part I: IP basics, prior to registering for this webinar.

Part V: Understanding the role of claims in a patent application

Thursday, November 18, 2021, 2 – 3:30 p.m. ET

Are you an inventor considering prosecuting a patent application? In this session, USPTO experts will discuss the parts of the claim, show examples of claim illustrations from issued U.S. patents, and help participants develop a better appreciation of how a patent examiner views a claim.

To gain the most from this workshop, we suggest participants have an intermediate knowledge of the intellectual property system and of patents specifically. We recommend that you complete the previous sessions, Part I: IP basics and Part IV: Learn how to draft your patent application before attending.

Part VI: Learn how to protect your IP abroad

Thursday, December 2, 2021, 2 – 3:30 p.m. ET

Did you know that patents offer territorial rights, meaning that there is no such thing as an international or global patent? Learn how to help protect your intellectual property (IP) in foreign jurisdictions. USPTO’s International Patent Legal Administration will present considerations and options for filing foreign patent applications.

Part VII: How to file a patent application using Patent Center

Thursday, December 9, 2021, 2 – 3:30 p.m. ET

Looking for more information on using Patent Center? USPTO experts will teach participants how to use this tool to file and manage patent documents online. This presentation will feature filing application documents in DOCX format, including using Patent Center Training mode to practice filing. A list of helpful resources such as the Inventor’s Assistance Center (IAC), and information about the Patent Electronics Business Center (EBC) will be shared.

Part VIII: Common mistakes and post-filing support

Thursday, December 16, 2021, 2 – 3:30 p.m. ET

This session is full of important tips on filing a patent application and what to do after you filed for a patent. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post filing procedures and support.

Contact information for participating offices and local start times for this event are as follows:

• Silicon Valley Regional Office: email SiliconValley@uspto.gov or call 408-918-9900. Start time: 11 a.m. PT
• Rocky Mountain Regional Office: email RockyMountain@uspto.gov or call 303-297-4600. Start time: noon MT
• Texas Regional Office: email TXROevents@uspto.gov or call 469-295-9000. Start time: 1 p.m. CT
• Midwest Regional Office: email MidwestRegion@uspto.gov or call 313-446-4800. Start time: 2 p.m. ET
• Eastern Regional Outreach Office: email EasternRegionalOutreachOffice@uspto.gov or call 571-272-7100. Start time: 2 p.m. ET

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) collects this information under authority of 35 U.S.C. 2(b)(2). The information you provide will be used to register to participate in Agency-sponsored events and programs designed to disseminate information to the public on topics related to patents and trademarks.  This system includes information about individuals who have requested participation in an Agency-sponsored event or program. The information is protected from disclosure to third parties in accordance with the Privacy Act. However, routine uses of this information may include disclosure to the following: to non-Federal personnel under contract to the Agency; to a court for adjudication and litigation; to the Department of Justice for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) assistance; to members of Congress working on behalf of an individual; and to National Archives and Records Administration for inspection of records. If you do not furnish the requested information, the USPTO may not be able to process your request for participation in the event or program. The applicable Privacy Act System of Records Notice for this information request is PAT-TM-19, Dissemination Events and Registrations: Federal Register vol. 71 December 27, 2006, page 77739, available at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2006/12/27/E6-22122/privacy-act-of-1974-system-of-records.