This session will introduce the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and provide an overview of the four main types of intellectual property: patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Participants will gain an understanding of why protecting intellectual property is important for innovators and entrepreneurs, as well as how a strong IP strategy can support business goals and serve as a key component of overall business success.
Thursday, October 15, 2026
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
This is a webinar. After registering, you’ll receive a separate email from our webinar platform with your unique access link.
As the Regional Director for the USPTO's Northeast Regional Outreach Office and Interim Director for the Southeast Regional Outreach Office and Midwest Regional Outreach Office, Elizabeth Dougherty carries out the strategic direction of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO and is responsible for leading the USPTO's Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest stakeholder engagement.
The UGA Small Business Development Center is a Public Service and Outreach unit of the University of Georgia. This program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and is supported by federal taxpayer funds. Our federal funding disclosure can be found at www.georgiasbdc.org.
By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations. All programs are open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
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