On February 5, 2020, the Nanotechnology Entrepreneurship Network (NEN) will hold a webinar on insights from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (EST).  The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) notes that a key stop on the technology development pathway is protecting the underlying intellectual property.  Entrepreneurs intending to commercialize an emerging technology, such as a nanomaterial or a nanomaterial-enabled product, need to be cognizant of pertinent intellectual property issues that will impact their business.  During the webinar, Elizabeth Dougherty, Eastern Regional Outreach Director for the USPTO, and Craig Morris, Managing Attorney for Trademark Educational Outreach for the USPTO, will discuss types of intellectual property, intellectual property strategies, the patent process, and issues related to trademarks.  Webinar participants will be able to submit questions for the panelists to answer.  Submitted questions will be considered in the order received and may be posted on the NNI website.  Registration is required.

As reported in our November 19, 2019, blog item, NEN brings new and seasoned entrepreneurs together with the people and resources available to support them.  NNI intends this emerging network to provide a forum for sharing best practices for advancing nanotechnology commercialization and the lessons learned along the technology development pathway.