The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) launched a new website in May 2021, to help entrepreneurs and inventors navigate the system that protects intellectual property.

The inventor and entrepreneur resource page contains articles and videos, along with advice about how to reduce application fees, find an IP attorney, and respond if your application is denied. Readers are guided through a basic understanding of IP protection, and then through the application process, to finally defending IP after a patent, trademark, copyright, or trade secret has been protected.

New Mexico is served by the Texas regional office of the USPTO. One of its goals is to promote innovation and stimulate the economy by connecting inventors and entrepreneurs to government resources. It does this by offering events and workshops in the region it serves. For example, a monthly IP overview webinar gives new inventors the basics about intellectual property, including the difference between patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Click on the office link for a list of upcoming events offered within the region, or see all USPTO events in the U.S. here.

Local business development organizations, such as WESST, SCORE, and the SBDC, offer workshops also. See the events/training pages on each of their websites.