Skip to Main Content

Patent and Trademark Resource Center at Tuskegee University: Inventor & Entrepreneur Support

This guide will assist you in navigating the resources that we provide at Tuskegee University's Library as an official Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC).

Resources Available to Inventors and Entrepreneurs

The United States Patent and Trademark Office offers free resources that are available to inventors and entrepreneurs. These resources will offer courses on drafting provisional patent applications, pursuing patents abroad, keeping trademark registrations alive, filing trademark applications, and so much more!

NEWS: 

On November 18, 2024, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published a final rule (Setting and Adjusting Trademark Fees During Fiscal Year 2025, 89 FR 91062) establishing a new fee schedule and replacing the current Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) Plus and TEAS Standard application filing options with a single base application fee where additional fees apply based on the complexity and completeness of the application. These rule changes are effective January 18, 2025. On that date, this examination guide will supersede the November 2024 edition of the Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure (TMEP) and any other official USPTO guidance to the extent any inconsistency exists. Click HERE to view the new January 2025 exam guide. 

Path to a Patent

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

UPCOMING 2025 EVENTS - WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO REGISTER!

Jan 23, 2025 - Virtual

The Path to a Patent, Part II: Drafting provisional patent applications

Learn key differences between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications in part two of this eight-part series.

Feb 6, 2025 - Virtual

The Path to a Patent, Part III: Patent searching

Hear about preliminary searching in part three of this eight-part recurring series.

Mar 6, 2025 - Virtual

The Path to a Patent, Part VI: Pursuing patent protection abroad

USPTO International Patent Legal Administration experts will discuss considerations and options for filing foreign patent applications and overview of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Approved for MCLE credit in CA.

Mar 20, 2025 - Virtual

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

USPTO experts will teach participants how to use Patent Center to file and manage patent documents online, including using training mode to practice filing.

Mar 27, 2025 - Virtual

The Path to a Patent, Part VIII: Common mistakes and post-filing support

USPTO experts share 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.

Trademark Basics Series

This free USPTO event series provides a comprehensive overview of the process for federal trademark registration and maintaining a federal trademark. If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur seeking to protect your brand and product identities, Trademark Basics Boot Camp is for you.

UPCOMING 2025 EVENTS - WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO REGISTER!

Jan 7, 2025 - Virtual

Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 1: Fundamentals

A must for any new trademark owner. In this module, we’ll cover definitions and types of trademarks, benefits of federal registration, selecting a trademark, filing and registration, and how to find help.

Jan 14, 2025 - Virtual

Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 2: Registration process overview

This event is a must for any small business or new entrepreneur learning to navigate trademarks for the first time. In this module, we'll focus on the overall trademark registration process, from filing to registration.

Jan 21, 2025 - Virtual

Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 3: Searching

This event is a must for any small business or new entrepreneur learning to navigate trademarks for the first time. In this module, we’ll cover important principles related to searching the USPTO's trademark database.

Jan 28, 2025 - Virtual

Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 4: Application requirements

This event is a must for any small business or new entrepreneur learning to navigate trademarks for the first time. In this module, we'll focus on the requirements for an initial trademark application.

Feb 4, 2025 - Virtual

Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 5: Application filing walk-through

A must for any small business or new entrepreneur learning to navigate trademarks. In this module, we focus on the Trademark Electronic Application System, the required system for making trademark submissions to the USPTO.

Feb 11, 2025 - Virtual

Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 6: Responding to an office action

This event is a must for any small business or new entrepreneur learning to navigate trademarks for the first time. In this module, we'll focus on responding to office actions.

Feb 18, 2025 - Virtual

Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 7: Keeping your registration alive

A must for any small business or new entrepreneur navigating trademarks for the first time. In this module, we'll focus on what happens after registration, including mandatory filings to keep your registration alive.

Feb 25, 2025 - Virtual

Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 8: Question-and-answer panel

In this module, we'll provide a unique opportunity for you to “meet the trademark experts” and ask all your trademark questions.

Apr 1, 2025 - Virtual

Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 1: Fundamentals

A must for any new trademark owner. In this module, we’ll cover definitions and types of trademarks, benefits of federal registration, selecting a trademark, filing and registration, and how to find help.

Apr 8, 2025 - Virtual

Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 2: Registration process overview

This event is a must for any small business or new entrepreneur learning to navigate trademarks for the first time. In this module, we'll focus on the overall trademark registration process, from filing to registration.