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ֱ Libraries celebrates grand opening for Patent and Trademark Resource Center with two events, Sept. 27 in Savannah and Sept. 28 in Statesboro

Patenting an invention and trademarking a product name can be challenging, yet protecting intellectual property is vital.

To that end, ֱ Libraries will celebrate the grand opening of its Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) with ribbon-cutting events at the Armstrong Center in Savannah on Sept. 27 at 9 a.m. and at the Henderson Library in Statesboro on Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. 

The PTRC is part of a nationwide network of 84 public, state and academic libraries designated by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to support the public with trademark and patent assistance. ֱ Libraries is one of two designated PTRCs in Georgia.

“With the recent economic development of Hyundai’s Motor Group Metaplant America, associated suppliers and regional commerce, our PTRC cultivates a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship,” stated ֱ’s PTRC librarian representative John Schlipp. “Innovators and creative colleagues utilizing the PTRC service at ֱ Libraries will be able to determine the potential for their patent applications and federal registration for a trademark on their inventions, products or services.”

ֱ’s PTRC partners with the University’s Business Innovation Group (BIG) and other regional, like-minded organizations to foster innovation and creativity. Dignitaries from the USPTO, including Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director Derrick Brent, and ֱ President Kyle Marrero, will attend the ribbon-cutting in Savannah. 

Both events will act as workshops for inventors, entrepreneurs and business startups. The PTRC at ֱ can assist patrons in conducting their own free patent and trademark searches on specialized USPTO databases. Additionally, patrons can receive one-on-one instruction on the application process, improve awareness of a product field, determine application feasibility and prepare for consulting with an attorney.

Visit the  for further details and to make a reservation to attend the workshops on the Statesboro or Armstrong campuses. 
For more information, or to schedule an appointment or group instruction, please contact John Schlipp at jschlipp@georgiasouthern.edu or 912-478-7818.

ֱ, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 140 different degree programs serving more than 25,500 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty, the University is focused on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit .