April 20, 2007

Intellectual property rights seminar set for May 7

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. – Creating that one-of-a-kind invention to solve a common problem or just make life easier is only half of the battle for an inventor. Getting the product protected is the next step on the way to marketing and the Illinois Entrepreneurship Network, the Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center and Southern Illinois University Carbondale are collaborating to help local inventors figure out that process.

"How to Research, Apply and Receive a Patent (or Trademark or Copyright)" is the newest facet of the 2007 SIUC innovation and entrepreneurship effort. The seminar is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 7 at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 150 E. Pleasant Hill Road in Carbondale.

David Wood is the guest speaker. Currently completing his law degree at SIUC, Wood is a registered patent agent who worked for more than 21 years for IBM. He has worked for the SouthernTECH program at SIUC and is assisting the SIUC Office of Research Development and Administration with technology transfer activities. He served recently as a judge in the area American Inventor competition, a spin-off of the wildly popular ABC television show by the same name. Wood will offer all the basic information for those considering or in the process of pursuing intellectual property rights.

There is no cost to participate in the seminar but seating is limited. Early registration is required by calling 618/536-2424 or via e-mail at ilsbdc@siu.edu. Box lunch serving begins at 11:30 a.m.

The Southern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center, the Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIUC, the Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center, the SIUC Small Business Incubator and the SIUC College of Business and Administration's Center for Innovation are sponsoring the event.