From idea to intellectual property

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From idea to intellectual property

Ohio State Libraries' Patent and Trademark Resource Center helps innovators protect what's next

For many inventors, researchers and entrepreneurs, an idea is just the beginning; what comes next and knowing how to properly protect that idea can often be one of the most challenging journeys. That is where The Ohio State University Libraries' Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) comes in.

At the PTRC, innovators can find guidance, educational resources and expert support to help them navigate patents, trademarks and other forms of intellectual property protection. As part of a nationwide network of centers designated by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Ohio State's PTRC helps connect inventors and business owners with the information they need to safeguard their work.

The network includes academic, public and state libraries across the country. What makes Ohio State's program unique is the diverse areas of expertise from the team, including a business librarian; an engineering librarian; a chemistry and physical science librarian; and a food, agricultural and environmental science librarian.

For Patricia Verdines, engineering librarian, assistant professor and one of the experts supporting Ohio State's PTRC, success is often measured not by the number of patents filed, but by something even more fundamental.

"I enjoy helping patrons to understand the types of intellectual property protection available in the U.S., and to me, the real success of our services emerges when I see a person that came to us looking for resources relevant to their project ideas," she said.

One memorable example involved an Ohio State alumnus preparing to present an invention to a group of potential investors. Concerned about protecting his ideas before sharing them publicly, he turned to the PTRC for guidance.

Verdines and her colleagues helped him identify relevant resources, suggesting he consider filing a provisional patent application and draft a nondisclosure agreement before discussing his designs with others.

"He was delighted to see that relevant resources are available for his particular situation at the USPTO," Verdines said.

While the PTRC is housed within University Libraries, its reach extends well beyond campus. In addition to serving Ohio State students, faculty and researchers, the center supports local inventors, small business owners and members of the public across Ohio.

Megan Powell, chemistry and physical sciences librarian and a member of the PTRC team, noted that the university's partnership with the Columbus Metropolitan Library further expands access to intellectual property education and resources, supporting Ohio State's land-grant mission while helping strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the state.

Throughout the year, the PTRC offers educational workshops, information sessions and one-on-one consultations designed to help innovators navigate the intellectual property landscape. In the past two years alone, the center has educated more than 745 individuals on protecting their intellectual property.

Powell believes one of the most important functions of Ohio State's PTRC is helping individuals better understand a process that can often feel overwhelming.

"We can prepare you in understanding how the application process works, give you the tools to conduct a prior art search, connect you with the right people and prepare you to ask the right questions as you consider the IP protection you want to pursue," she said. "The process is not easy, but working with the PTRC can help your understanding and make the process less intimidating."

To learn more about PTRC at University Libraries, visit its website or email [email protected].

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