Learn IP basics on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets the first Thursday of each month from USPTO experts—and why it is important to protect your innovation as it moves from idea to product.

The USPTO’s Midwest Regional Office offers this session for national participation beginning at noon EST May 6. The program features local resources and assistance available through the USPTO and other agencies.

Details: [email protected] or call 313-446-4800

PROTOTYPING AND PATENTING can be expensive and challenging. Join USPTO Primary Patent Examiner Jeff Palenik and Mark Madic from Southern Colorado Innovation Link for an interactive intellectual property workshop on May 11. This will include considerations for prototyping a new product and an overview of intellectual property, including the patent process, and patent searching.

Details and registration: uspto.gov/about-us/events/patents-prototypes

INVENTION-CON 2021, the USPTO’s annual conference for independent inventors, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and intellectual property professionals, will be August 18-20.

Learn directly from inventors, entrepreneurs, and business owners; attend lecture sessions and workshops; learn about networking opportunities; hear from senior USPTO officials and other IP experts.

Watch for details: uspto.gov/inventioncon

Visit uspto.gov/events for many other opportunities to attend free virtual events and/or training.