The Path to a Patent quarterly series covers everything from intellectual property basics, to patent searching, to what you'll need to draft and submit your patent application. The series is part of our ongoing intellectual property training for independent inventors, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.

All events are free and open to the public. To sign up for sessions of interest or the entire series, click the "Register" button.

Part I: Intellectual property (IP) basics

Thursday, April 4, 2024, 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET

Are you interested in learning about intellectual property (IP) basics? In this module, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) experts will:

• Provide a brief overview of the different types of IP (patents, trade secrets, and copyrights)

• Review the patenting process from invention, to application, to issue

• Cover the requirements for patentability

• Explain how to determine whether a provisional or nonprovisional application is right for you

• Discuss how to weigh the costs and benefits of hiring a patent attorney

Part II: Drafting provisional patent applications

Thursday, April 11, 2024, 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET

In this module, USPTO experts discuss key differences between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications, filing requirements and fees, the different ways to file a provisional application, and more.

Part III: Patent searching

Thursday, April 18, 2024, 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET

Are you interested in learning more about patent searching? Attend this virtual session and learn from USPTO experts about preliminary searching, using the suggested seven-step strategy, tips and resources for searching, and more.

Part IV: Learn how to draft a patent application

Thursday, April 25, 2024, 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET

Understanding patent application drafting is a vital step in protecting your invention. Attend this virtual workshop and learn from USPTO experts about the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as how to avoid common mistakes.

To gain the most from this workshop, we suggest participants have an intermediate knowledge of the intellectual property system and patents specifically. We recommend that you take the previous course, Part I: IP basics, prior to registering for this webinar.

Part V: Understanding the role of claims in a patent application

Thursday, May 9, 2024, 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET

Are you an inventor preparing to file a patent application? In this session, USPTO experts will discuss the parts of the claim, show examples of claim illustrations from issued U.S. patents, and help participants develop a better appreciation of how a patent examiner views a claim.

To gain the most from this workshop, we suggest participants have an intermediate knowledge of the intellectual property system and of patents specifically. We recommend that you complete the previous sessions, Part I: IP basics and Part IV: Learn how to draft your patent application before attending.

Part VI: Learn how to protect your IP abroad

Thursday, May 16, 2024, 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET

Did you know that patents offer territorial rights, meaning that there is no such thing as an international or global patent? Learn how to help protect your intellectual property (IP) in foreign jurisdictions. USPTO's International Patent Legal Administration will present considerations and options for filing foreign patent applications.

Part VII: How to file a patent application using Patent Center

Thursday, June 6, 2024, 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET

Looking for more information on using Patent Center? USPTO experts will teach participants how to use this tool to file and manage patent documents online. This presentation will feature filing application documents in DOCX format, including using Patent Center Training mode to practice filing. A list of helpful resources, such as the Inventor's Assistance Center (IAC) and information about the Patent Electronics Business Center (EBC), will be shared.

Part VIII: Common mistakes and post-filing support

Thursday, June 13, 2024, 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET

This session is full of important tips on filing a patent application and what to do after you filed for a patent. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post filing procedures and support.