TCCL News & Events

Lightbulbs, automobiles, sewing machines and zippers – these now commonplace items each were invented by someone who had an idea and the initiative to make life simpler. If you have an idea for a new invention, product or service, learn how to register and protect your idea at Tulsa City-County Library’s “Day of Innovation and Invention” workshop.

The library’s Research Center is offering the free two-part workshop on Friday, Nov. 21 at Central Library, Fourth Street and Denver Avenue.

Part 1, “Preliminary Patent, Trademark and Copyright Research,” is from 10 a.m. to noon in the library’s Computer Training Room. The first step to developing your idea is to check existing intellectual property to see if what you have invented already exists. Join Suzanne Holcombe, patent librarian, OSU-Stillwater, and Steve Beleu, Oklahoma Department of Libraries, and learn how to start a preliminary patent search, locate U.S. classifications for your product area, search U.S. registered and pending trademarks, and understand U.S. copyright and how to register.

Part 2, “Protecting and Promoting Your Intellectual Property,” is from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the library’s Aaronson Auditorium. Molly McKay, local patent attorney; Bill Gregory of the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center; and Martha Gregory of Tulsa City-County Library’s Research Wizard, will share their experience and knowledge on how to best protect your idea. There also will be information from the Inventor’s Assistance Service.

Preregistration is required for each session. Call 596-7977 or visit the library’s Web site at www.tulsalibrary.org to register or for more information about “Day of Innovation and Invention.”