Startup resources

"Startup certification training course" is layered above a photo of a laptop and four icons representing various IP topics

The USPTO’s hub for startup resources can help you address the intellectual property (IP) challenges specific to startups, including securing funding and guarding against costly infringement litigation.

Where to start?

Our startup certificate training course gives an introduction to IP, cybersecurity for businesses, and scam prevention. The two-hour virtual session is intended for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to learn the essentials on the go. 

More for inventors and entrepreneurs

For information on IP fundamentals, such as filing a patent or registering a trademark, check out these resources for inventor and entrepreneurs 

Here you will find practical information and useful tools, available from a wide variety of government agencies, including the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Minority Business Development Administration (MBDA), and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). These agencies can assist you at every stage of growing your business, from your initial idea to entering the global marketplace. 

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Plan for success

Explore free government resources that can help you create a foundation for business success.

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Find federal funding

While the USPTO does not provide source funding, there are many sources of startup funding, including grants, loans, and different kinds of investors.

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Engage with experts

Find mentors, partnerships, and technological assistance in your industry. Learn to navigate the domestic and international IP markets.