UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is celebrating 10 years of cultivating the entrepreneurial spirit. Presented by the Penn State Small Business Development Center, GEW recognizes relationships between members of the University and local entrepreneurial communities during a weeklong event Nov. 7-15.
This year, Penn State University Libraries continues their support for GEW with presentations, keynote addresses, workshops and networking opportunities, geared specifically toward entrepreneurs, local startups, innovators and anyone interested in thinking outside the box. The Libraries’ GEW 2018 lineup of free public events on the University Park campus is as follows:
Wednesday, Nov. 7
"Using Census Data to Start or Grow Your Business," 2-3 p.m. in W211A Pattee Library
The United States Economic Census provides vital 5-year statistical information on American business and industry performance, and tracks revenue and growth in the economy. Learn how to use the Economic Census and other business data platforms offered by the Dissemination Specialist, U.S. Census Philadelphia Regional Office.
Thursday, Nov. 8
"Using CB Insights to Research Startup Funding," 3-4 p.m. in W211A Pattee Library
Are you looking for funding opportunities for your startup? The Library’s new database CB Insights is a great product for researching angel, venture capital and private equity investments. Come learn how to track deal activity and build lists of startups and funders by industry, geography, and more. Presented by LaMonica Wiggins, entrepreneurship librarian, Penn State University Libraries.
Wednesday, Nov. 14
"Overview of Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, and Trade Secrets," 9:15-10:30 a.m. in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library
This event for inventors, entrepreneurs, educators, students and legal professionals covers the basics of patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. Discover the different types of intellectual property protection and build a fundamental understanding for later sessions. Presented by experts from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Resource Center Program, Alexandria, Virginia.
"Conducting a Preliminary Trademark Search Using USPTO Databases," 10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library
A seminar for inventors, entrepreneurs, educators, students and legal professionals on how to search federal trademarks using U.S. Patent and Trademark Office databases. USPTO representatives will show how to find existing trademark registrations, including advanced search strategies combining works and images. Brands and company identify can be valuable intellectual property for any business or venture.
"Conducting Preliminary U.S. Patent Searching Using USPTO Databases," 1:30-2:30 p.m. in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library
This seminar for inventors, entrepreneurs, educators, students and legal professionals covers the basics of patent searching using U.S. Patent and Trademark Office databases. USPTO representatives will demonstrate effective search strategies and methods for discovering current patents and applications. This can benefit researchers looking for cutting-edge technology or startups developing their own technologies and processes.
"Invention Promotion Firms: Asking the Right Questions," 2:45-3:15 p.m. in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library
A seminar for inventors, entrepreneurs and students that helps attendees identify possible disreputable practices and potentially misleading advertisements from invention promotion firms. Startups and new ventures should be aware of their legal rights and how to avoid jeopardizing their intellectual property. Presented by experts from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Resource Center Program, Alexandria, Virginia.
"Local Resources Panel: Patents and Trademarks," 3:15-4 p.m. in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library
Learn about Penn State and Pennsylvania specific sources of information and legal help in this panel of local programs. Inventors, entrepreneurs, educators, students and legal professionals should come to learn and ask questions of the University Libraries, Penn State Law Clinics, and other Invent Penn State initiatives.
“She Started It” Film Screening, 6-7:30 p.m. in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library
An essential documentary on women tech entrepreneurs, “She Started It” upends the popular perception of a male-dominated Silicon Valley. Featuring interviews with leading female CEOs and entrepreneurs it follows several passionate, trailblazing young women as they strive to launch their companies in the ruthlessly competitive world of high-tech startups. A film by Nora Poggi and Insiyah Saeed. This event is free and open to the public. Sponsored in part by the Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC and Penn State’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Minor intercollege program.
About GEW Penn State
GEW Penn State, presented by the Penn State Small Business Development Center, is a weeklong celebration as part of an international initiative with 15,000 partners in 170 countries. The goal is to connect entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and startup champions around the world. For a full calendar of events, visit GEW Penn State.