STARTUP PRIMER || Demystifying the Patent Process

Join us as we reboot our Primer: Startup Essentials series with a fresh look at Patents and IP.

Whether you’re an aspiring inventor, a budding entrepreneur, or simply curious about the legal intricacies of intellectual property, this class offers valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about how and when legally protecting your ideas is a strategic decision.

You may imagine a world where your groundbreaking idea, your innovative product, or your creative masterpiece is protected from imitation and exploitation. Most of us assume patents will shield our work, foster innovation, and potentially yield significant financial returns. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. This class takes an honest behind the scenes look at the process. We will discuss potential pitfalls, the costs involved, and the strategic considerations that can make or break your patent journey.

This $20/person workshop will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complex landscape of intellectual property. You will walk away with a balanced view of intellectual property and a deeper understanding of whether it is the right decision for you.

There are no prerequisites for this class. Please Click Here to Register and let us know you're coming. Bring your questions. There will be time for audience Q&A and networking.

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PRO // Paul Contino
Paul, our guest speaker for this class, is a former Primary Patent Examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Recognized annually by the USPTO as an outstanding examiner, he understands the intricacies of the examination process – from idea inception and filing of an application through to the granting of a patent. Presently, Paul works as a consultant and search specialist to assist individuals, businesses, and law firms with patent matters.

HOST // Jim Cooke
Jim Cooke is a retired electronics engineer with over 30 years of experience in hands-on product development, marketing, and support of high-tech electronics at three large multinational corporations. He has also served as the engineering director for a start-up and owned a small electronic product development company. With this extensive background, Jim brings a broad range of knowledge and problem-solving skills, making him an invaluable resource for anyone looking to develop or market a new product. He holds over 20 patents and has written and presented at numerous electronics conferences. Jim currently mentors clients at through SCORE (score.org) and volunteers at The Facility Makerspace (facilitymade.com).

NOTE
Workshops at The Facility are open to anyone over 18 years old. Please feel free to pass this invitation on to friends and family.

Can't make it to this event or interested in another topic? Contact David ([email protected]) and we'll make sure there's an event that fits your needs soon.