2024 - Patent and Trademark Resource Center Association

Aberdeen, SD

Beulah Williams Library
Submitted by: Nicole Christiansen

We are a new PTRC located in Aberdeen, SD designed on December 14, 2023.
We are the only location in South Dakota, and we are excited to get to know you and the PTRC process.

Nicole Christiansen

Akron, OH

Akron-Summit County Public Library
Submitted by: Curtis Bower

PTRC librarians -Curtis Bower and Christopher Schmidt.
This year marks our 150th year -our sesquicentennial-as a public library in Akron, Ohio! There are many celebrations ahead!
We continue to teach: “Introduction to Intellectual Property” and “Introduction to Patents & Patent Searching” on a regular basis.
We had our first Akron Book Fest last year that brought in 1,700 people to the library. We ran a round table on “steps to take after you have written a book”

Albany, NY

New York State Library
Submitted by: Stephanie Barrett

Is working with the Eastern Regional Training Center to present four patent related programs.
Training new staff in patents and trademarks.

Amherst, MA

University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Submitted by: Rebecca Reznik-Zellen

Paulina Borrego went on sabbatical, and the new PTRC contact is Rebecca Reznik-Zellen.
We provide access to patent resources, coloring books, and plant patents from the Science & Engineering Library.
Updated the LibGuide that shares resources, with excellent input from Heather Mariacher, MLIS and patent paralegal. https://guides.library.umass.edu/ptrc

Ann Arbor, MI

The University of Michigan
Submitted by: Leena Lalwani

Ann Arbor PTRC is located in the Art, Architecture, & Engineering Library.
In August 2023, we had Vaishali Udupa, Commissioner of Patents present to faculty & students.
We have two new engineering librarians, Sarah Barbrow & Leusoni Kuck.
- Leusoni is attending Seminar in-person.
- Leena Lalwani, Paul Grochowski, Jamie Niehof, & Zachary Lannesare other engineering librarians.

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Tech Library
Submitted by: Cynthia Kutka

Lisha Li retired at the end of December, 2023.
New PTRC rep is Cynthia Kutka.
Enhanced collaboration established with the Georgia Tech Office of Technology Licensing.
Engages as guest lecturers at Emory University Law and the Atlanta Association of Law Libraries.
Active search ongoing for an IP Librarian who will serve as a permanent PTRC rep.

Auburn, AL

Auburn University
Submitted by: Andrew Wohrley

Collaborated with our Business Librarian to provide Patent and Trademark instruction to our Tiger Cage (Auburn’s version of Shark Tank) competitors.
One group was for a patent search to investigate the novelty of their idea.
The other was to see if a Trademark was Novel.
The third class was to provide IP instruction for an advanced class of Graduate students.
Finally, it is great to see you all again!

Austin, TX

University of Texas – Austin
Submitted by: Larayne Dallas

A visit in September from Hope Shimabukuand Paola Agudelo of the USPTO Texas Regional Office.
A successful “Patent Basics” webinar offered over Zoom in November to members of the university and wider community.
Library guide updates to better advertise our PTRC connection.

Larayne Dallas with a 1912
pennant from the university’s
College of Engineering.

Baton Rouge (LSU), LA

Louisiana State University
Submitted by: Kendall Caple

Changes in PTRC staff: Starting on July 17, 2023, Kendall Caple became LSU Libraries’ new Patent and Trademark Librarian.
A program that had a terrific turnout: Gov Docs: The Eras Tour. A celebration of the extensive resources offered by gov docs, which included Patents and Trademarks.

The Eras Tour.

Upcoming outreach this May: Bayou Brilliance: The Legacy of Louisiana Inventors, a Patent and Trademarks display for the library’s lobby.

Baton Rouge, LA

Southern University and A&M College John B. Cade Library
Submitted by: Maya Banks

Designated as a new PTRC on October 12, 2023.
Had official Grand Opening (a hybrid), on March 27, 2024.

Maya Banks

Panel discussion with Hope Shimabuku, Director of the Texas Regional Office

Display during Grand Opening of PTRC.

Bayamón, PR

University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón
Submitted by: Tanisha Orejuela

In January, 2023, Professor Tanisha Orejuela Acosta was selected as the new representative of the PTRC.
We created a section on our library webpage just for the PTRC.

On October 2023, we joined the #CreepyIP initiative with our curated exhibition Propiedad Intelectual que asusta (Intellectual Property that spooks).
There has been a significant increase in the statistics of services: more workshops and individual consultations that expand to students,

Birmingham, AL

Birmingham Public Library
Submitted by: Mary Beth Newbill

Myself and my co-worker, Jason Burks, are the two staff who primarily assist patrons with patent and trademark questions.
We have both been at the Birmingham Public Library for over 25 years.
This photo was taken in the reading room of our historic research library which was built in 1927.

Mary Beth Newbill and Jason Burks

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Tech University Libraries
Submitted by: Sarah Over

New PTRC designated in June 2023.
AUVSI (October 2023): Association of Unmanned/Unscrewed Vehicles Systems International talk on inventor resources as they have lots of folks developing technology (such as UAVs/drones).
Provided a Virginia Quilting Museum Webinar on Inventors and Patents for Virginia’s 250th Anniversary (March 2024): folks can celebrate state’s history and have ideas for a quilting contest.
Outreach in October 2023 to the Association of Unmanned/Unscrewed Vehicles Systems International talk on inventor resources.

Boise, ID

University of Idaho
Submitted by: Sam Williams

Work closely with school’s Entrepreneurship Law Clinic and Patent Pro Bono program to provide services to a variety of current and future small business owners.
Supported annual student participation in USPTO’s National Patent Drafting Competition, with a special shout-out to this year’s participants David McNeill, Guillermo Sarriera-Valentin, and Jordan Walters!
As state law library, we answer questions about patent research and the patent application process more generally.

Boston, MA

Boston Public Library
Submitted by: Gregor Smart

Kirsten Business Library & Innovation Center (KBLIC) Staff:
- Gregor Smart -Curator ([email protected])
- Anthony Viola -Business Innovation Librarian ([email protected])
- Desiree Rose -Adult Technology Coordinator ([email protected])

Gregor Smart and Spruce Fraser

Patrons love our team of “KBLIC” Advisors for your small business and entrepreneurial needs:
- 4th Thursday of the month: Make a one-on-one virtual appointment with an Intellectual Property attorney from Goodwin.

Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University
Submitted by: Michael Biondo

New PTRC designated on February 22, 2024.

Michael Biondo