TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The United States Patent and Trademark Office in collaboration with the Tinker Air Force Base's Military & Family Readiness Center, hosted an Entrepreneurship Essential Workshop and Resource Fair inside the Hill Conference Center June 25, 2024.
The goal of the fair is to educate and provide resources to service members and their families about how to protect their possible intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets.
“Sometimes people don’t think about it and then the protection isn’t in place ahead of time when they need it,” said Hope Shimabuku, USPTO Texas Regional Office director. “One of our goals is to connect those who are here with local resources. There are different funding mechanisms that are available for individuals to be able to seek especially local resources to be able to provide them a successful pathway.”
She added, “The takeaway I would love for them to learn is how intellectual property can really benefit the individual companies and that there are resources that can help on an innovation journey.”
With a focus on business development and intellectual property, attendees had the opportunity to learn about the tools and resources needed to start their own business, how to acquire their own patent and the branding and protection of business plans. Experts in the field presented information exhibiting the “dos” and “don’ts" of getting a patent, trademarks and entrepreneurship.
Roy Baker, a veteran Oklahoma business owner, attended the Entrepreneurship Essentials Workshop and Resource Fair and found it very helpful.
“I wish I had gone to some of these programs before we started our business,” said Baker. “I wish I had thought through and planned better before going full time as an entrepreneur. I think if we had been more deliberate about the process it would have been a much easier transition, especially with trademarks. That is something that could cost someone a business.”
The resource fair featured exhibitors from entrepreneurship support organizations.
The USPTO offers a wide range of intellectual property resources, including application assistance, education and training, help appealing or fixing an issue, and other services that support the full spectrum of customers—from independent patent and trademark filers, to attorneys and business advisors.
To learn more about the USPTO visit: https://www.uspto.gov