Ohio State patent center educates more than 745 people on intellectual property

The USPTO-designated service supports students, researchers, inventors, business owners and members of the public across Ohio through workshops, consultations and specialist librarian guidance

Students speak with a librarian in Thompson Library. Photo: The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University Libraries’ Patent and Trademark Resource Center has educated more than 745 people about protecting intellectual property over the past two years, helping users navigate patents, trademarks and the application process.

The US center provides educational resources, individual guidance and practical support for students, faculty and researchers. Access is not restricted to the university community. Local inventors, small business owners and other members of the public across Ohio can also use its services.

Ohio State’s center belongs to a nationwide network of academic, public and state libraries designated by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Its team includes librarians specializing in business, engineering, chemistry and physical sciences, and food, agricultural and environmental sciences.

Ohio State President Ravi Bellamkonda positioned the service within the university’s efforts to help researchers and entrepreneurs develop their ideas. In a LinkedIn post, he wrote: “We've made it a high priority at Ohio State to support innovators in taking their big ideas from the lab to the marketplace.”

Guidance before an idea goes public

Patricia Verdines, Engineering Librarian, Assistant Professor and a member of the center’s team, says its work begins with helping people understand the forms of protection available to them.

“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 says.

In one case outlined by the university, an Ohio State alumnus contacted the center before presenting an invention to potential investors. He wanted to understand how he could protect the idea before disclosing it.

Verdines and her colleagues helped him locate relevant resources and suggested that he consider filing a provisional patent application and drafting a nondisclosure agreement before sharing his designs. The center’s role is to prepare users to understand and research the process rather than file applications on their behalf.

Extending intellectual property support across Ohio

A partnership with Columbus Metropolitan Library further extends access to intellectual property education and resources beyond the university campus.

Throughout the year, the Patent and Trademark Resource Center runs workshops, information sessions and one-on-one consultations. Its support includes helping users understand the application process, conduct prior art searches, identify appropriate contacts and prepare questions about the protection they may need.

Megan Powell, Chemistry and Physical Sciences Librarian and a member of the center’s team, explains: “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.”

“The process is not easy, but working with the PTRC can help your understanding and make the process less intimidating,” she adds.