Invention-Con is a free, two-day conference geared towards the independent inventor. Presented by the USPTO, Invention-Con 2017 provides a comprehensive agenda where attendees may participate in plenary talks, join in topic specific, small-group breakout sessions, and hear from USPTO officials and experts who will present information on patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property (IP) matters and topics of interest to inventors and small businesses. Review USPTO executives and other speaker and presenter biographies and related resources.

When: August 11th and 12th
Where: USPTO Headquarters – Alexandria, VA

Patent-related Topics for Discussion

  • What are the different types of patent applications that can be filed? And what are each useful for?
  • What are requirements for filing a patent application and how do I file electronically?
  • In a patent application, what are the requirements for the claims? The drawings?
  • Do I need to search an invention before filing a patent application? How do I do that?
  • How exactly does the patent examination process work? And are there any resources to help me navigate it?

Trademark-related Topics for Discussion

  • What are the different types of trademark applications that can be filed? And what are each useful for?
  • What are requirements for filing a trademark application and how do I file electronically?
  • How exactly does the trademark examination process work? How about the trademark appeal process?
  • And are there any resources to help me navigate these?