Patent solutions, prior art searching, patent landscape analysis, patent training and education, and patent information services are all critical elements that librarians or tech transfer offices offering patent-related support services within educational institutions need access to for practical innovation.
Library Services
University libraries, Tech Transfer Offices (TTOs), and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) support the students and faculty at local universities and colleges, and members of the general community with innovation and ideation support services and resources. Many of these audiences have similar challenges with accessing and affording these resources, which is why these agencies are so valuable to our local communities.
Libraries, TTOs, and PTRCs offer access to comprehensive patent and trademark databases, enabling users to conduct thorough searches for existing patents and trademarks. This helps individuals and businesses assess the novelty of their inventions or trademarks before pursuing the registration process.
Some of the most valuable resources offered often include:
- Organized workshops, seminars, and training sessions to educate the community about intellectual property (IP) topics
- One-on-one consultations with IP experts or librarians who can provide personalized guidance and assistance with patent and trademark searches, application processes, and general IP inquiries
- Help individuals and businesses understand the application process, requirements, and documentation needed to submit applications to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Patent solutions, expertise and knowledge
Individuals at these centers can provide access to trained and experienced IP professionals with experience in the complex and often confusing world of patent law. They understand the intricacies of the patent application process, including the legal requirements, technical details, and procedural rules. This expertise can help ensure that your patent application is properly prepared and submitted, increasing your chances of obtaining a patent.
SAVE TIME & MONEY
Applying for a patent can be a time-consuming and tedious process, especially for individuals and businesses without experience in the field. Being prepared for the process is the best method to saving substantial time and money. These centers provide resources and solutions to aid individuals through this process.
Tailored Solutions
InnovationQ+™
InnovationQ+TM is an innovation and IP decision support workflow solution packed with powerful data analytics and competitive insights that enable informed, rapid decisions throughout the lifecycle—reducing costs, maximizing ROI, and accelerating innovation.
Defensive Publishing
Defensive publishing is the intentional and purposeful publication of innovation into the public domain. It is a cost-effective IP strategy that discloses aspects of your invention so it becomes prior art.
IQ Ideas+™
IQ Ideas+™ is unique in the market, filling a gap that traditional problem-solving tools and methodologies fail to address. It helps innovators and engineers generate and refine ideas with the most significant potential at the source of the process—before precious time and resources are wasted—so you can accelerate ROI.
Educational News & Resources
How DeepSeek Could Revolutionize Patent Discovery — But at What Cost?
Among the emerging AI-driven platforms, DeepSeek is gaining attention for its ability to streamline complex search processes and improve competitive intelligence. While DeepSeek boasts powerful AI-driven search capabilities, its limitations are impossible to ignore. For organizations relying on legally defensible insights and airtight competitive intelligence, DeepSeek’s gaps could undermine decision-making and expose businesses to unnecessary legal and financial vulnerabilities. Before making the leap, it’s worth asking — is the convenience of an open-source AI worth the cost of incomplete, unreliable data and potential security risks?
Upcoming Webinar: Measuring Patent Quality with AI-Powered Insights
AI-powered Patent Insight Indexes provide actionable metrics for evaluating patent portfolios, helping IP professionals assess patent quality, manage litigation risk, and optimize investments. Join our webinar on March 27, 2025 to explore how AI-driven insights enhance decision-making in licensing, R&D alignment, and portfolio management.
Breaking Barriers: How Antitrust Shapes the Future of Innovation
From tech giants to pharmaceutical empires, the role of competition in driving innovation has never been more critical. But what happens when a few powerful players dominate an industry? Does regulation spark creativity, or does it hold businesses back? The debate over antitrust enforcement is intensifying. While some argue that breaking up monopolies unlocks new opportunities, others warn that overregulation creates uncertainty that stifles investment. So, where’s the balance? And how can companies navigate these shifting landscapes to stay ahead?