What Every Small Business Must Know About Intellectual Property
Presented by the Office of Policy and International Affairs, USPTO, (2009 -2012)
An overview of the different types of intellectual property rights, including a discussion of top myths, mysteries, and mistakes about intellectual property; a review of the substantial information and resources available from the USPTO and other U.S. government entities to help small businesses protect and enforce their intellectual property rights worldwide.
Trademarks 101
Presented by the Office of Trademark Quality and Training, USPTO, (2009-2012)
A comparison of trademarks, patents and copyrights; reasons for trademark protection, types of trademark protection, and the benefits of federal registration; differences between trademarks, domain name registrations and business name registrations; overview of different types of trademarks, including word marks, designs, and unusual marks such as color, sound, and motion marks.
USPTO Website: An Overview of Online Tools and Resources
Presented by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Operations, USPTO, (2012)
Overview of trademark tools and resources available at www.uspto.gov, including "Basic Facts About Trademarks"; instructional "how-to" videos; trademark FAQs; processing timelines; electronic systems for searching the USPTO's database of registered marks and pending applications, filing applications and other forms, checking status, and viewing documents; the Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual; and the Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure.
Trademark Application Filing and Registration Process
Presented by the Office of Trademark Quality and Training, USPTO, (2012)
Overview of the filing and registration process, including filing and examination of applications, processing timelines, and post-registration maintenance requirements; the role of the USPTO -what it does and does not do; and private trademark attorneys and how to find one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing for Trademark Registration
Presented by the Office of Trademark Quality and Training, USPTO, (2010-2012)
Basic requirements to obtain a filing date; determining the appropriate applicant/owner of the mark; selecting the appropriate filing basis; identifying the appropriate mark format (e.g., standard character format, stylized, etc.); considerations in identifying the goods and/or services in connection with which the mark is used or will be used; submitting an acceptable drawing; and selecting appropriate specimens of use.
Respecting the Indian Brand: Native American Art and Imitation
Moderated by the Office of Policy and International Affairs, USPTO, and included speakers from Indian Arts and Crafts Board and the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection, (2011-2012)
Techniques to build consumer recognition of and respect for a brand, using Native American and Alaska Native arts and crafts as an example; understanding how traditional and contemporary works are protected under intellectual property law and the Indian Arts and Crafts Act; steps that consumers can take to help protect against counterfeiting and piracy of the Native American and Alaska Native arts and crafts heritage; panelists include representatives from the Federal Trade Commission and the Indian Arts and Crafts Board.
Counterfeiting and Piracy - Why Buy "Legit"
Presented by Policy and International Affairs, USPTO, (2009-2012)
An exploration of the scope and economic impact of counterfeiting and piracy on the U.S. economy; what businesses and individuals can do to combat this significant threat to U.S. businesses, large and small; examples of counterfeit and pirated goods.
Both the seminar content and presenters may vary at future Expos.