18th Annual Independent Inventors Conference, Oct. 11-12, 2013

Please note: Due to funding issues from the government shutdown, the 18th Annual Independent Inventors Conference will not be held at this time. The USPTO plans to reschedule the conference. See more at http://www.uspto.gov/inventors/events/Alexandria_Main.jsp .

Original message: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will hold the 18th Annual Independent Inventors Conference on October 11-12, 2013 at its headquarters in Alexandria, VA. Co-hosted by Sodexo®, the conference will provide inventors and innovators with education from intellectual property experts in their respective fields and practical advice from successful inventors.

Conference highlights will include presentations, workshops, and one-on-one advisory sessions conducted by senior USPTO officials and others who will inform and answer questions about patents and trademarks. There is a pre-conference workshop on October 10, 2013 from 5-7 p.m.

Keynote presenters include:

• Teresa Stanek Rea, Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Acting Director of the USPTO
• Peggy Focarino, Commissioner for Patents, USPTO
• Lori Greiner, Inventor and entrepreneur, host of the QVC show “Clever and Unique Creations,” and cast member of ABC’s “Shark Tank”
• Woody Norris, Serial inventor of electronics, tools, and cutting-edge sonic equipment

Space is limited, so register early. Registration is now open. A registration fee of $90 per person includes all sessions and presentations, refreshments, lunch (Friday and Saturday) and a networking session on Friday evening. For additional information, visit www.uspto.gov/inventors/events/Alexandria_Main.jsp or 866-767-3848.