There are many resources available for people who are considering filing a patent, but may not be sure where to turn. The first step in filing for a patent is identifying your invention. This is an important step as the disclosure of your invention can lead to third parties filing for patents on your idea.
If you don’t keep your invention confidential, you’ll end up losing your patent rights and potentially incurring a costly lawsuit to recover your original idea. If you’re worried about losing your intellectual property, remember that you have one year to come up with a better plan.
If you have an invention that may qualify for a patent, you can protect it with a provisional patent. A provisional patent will protect your right to go to market before anyone else does, giving you a higher chance of success. This protection can be valuable for independent inventors who have to demonstrate their invention to potential manufacturers. In order to protect your rights to market, you must properly document your invention.
Center for Civic Innovation
Center for Civic Innovation is a non-profit organization that provides resources for inventors with patentable inventions. According to the old statist, 9 out of 10 startups fail. However, that doesn’t stop the Center for Civic Innovation from trying. Even great geniuses such as Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs and Thomas Edison failed millions before they achieved fame.
The Center for Civic Innovation was established in 2014. It has been a hub for Atlantian innovators. The Center began as a failed startup but has since grown into a highly successful organization. It provides workshops, leadership breakfast sessions, and mentoring to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their business. To date, they have helped more than 100 Atlanta inventors with their patentable inventions.
According to some who work there, the Center for Civic Innovation is often referred to as Atlanta’s “Department of Failure”. It was created to provide an impartial platform for “tough dialog and debate about the direction of the city” regarding work inequalities. It has evolved into a space for people to collaborate and connect with each other.
This group piloted two programs in 2016: the Food Innovation Lab, and the Westside Innovation Lab. These programs eventually became the Civic Innovation Fellowship.
Entrepreneurship is a key aspect of growing a business, and the Entrepreneurship Center of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta can help. With mentorship, business planning, and other assistance, founders can become successful and build a positive impact. The Center for Civic Innovation’s Startup and New Business Guide for Atlanta inventors with patentable inventions is an excellent resource.
United Inventors Association- Atlanta
The UIA, a 501c3 non-profit organization, is dedicated to providing educational resources and creating opportunities for independent inventors. It also encourages honest and ethical business practices from industry service providers. They are the largest US inventor membership organization and we support close to 100 affiliate inventor associations.
Their dedication to time and resources has allowed the UIA remain the nation’s top inventor education organization. The Executive Committee and Management Team collaborate to offer responsive programs and services for the independent inventor community.
The Board members advise, govern, supervise policy and direction and help with leadership and promotion of the UIA to support our mission and needs.The UIA’s mission is to empower inventors by education, advocacy, and access.
Georgia Inventors Network
If you looking for an inventor community to help you launch your business? The Georgia Inventors Network may be the best option for you! The Georgia Inventors Network is one of Georgia’s most important inventor/investor networks. Since April 10, 2012, it has been a great place to start learning how to create something.
You don’t want to miss one moment, no matter if you are new to investing or have years of experience. This is especially true when it comes to deciding whether or not you should file for a trademark or patent. The group is currently experiencing some ups and down moments. They are, however, active and alive for the most part.
SBA (Small Business Administration) Georgia
The SBA of Georgia is a national leader in small business support. They offer free counseling and small business loans, as well as help small businesses get started. This organization partners with SCORE volunteers from time to time to host the most useful and affordable workshops in the state.
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is known for their dedication to educating the next generation of business leaders. They have a slogan like “The Birthplace of Public Higher Education in America”. It’s no wonder that they have inspired generations of America’s most innovative minds.
UGA is a leader in the development of cutting-edge techniques to combat infectious diseases. But it’s also their innovative approach towards allowing students to take on cyber terrorists and offer global solutions. UGA does not stop there.
Every student in every department is encouraged to use their unique skills in real-life situations through “global research”, hands-on learning and extensive outreach. National Jurist ranked the University of Georgia’s School of Law as the best in legal education.
According to the website of the university, “These rankings were based on outcome driven metrics such as bar passage or employment rates.” The University of Georgia is a great choice for those who want to become lawyers.
Georgia Tech Library
The Georgia Tech Library is open 24 hours a days, 7 days per week. It’s not just for students to use as a place to pick up books and then go hide in their dorms. Anyone who wants to know more about STEAM or business can visit the library’s Innovation.
You can even find a Data Visualization Lab if you need a tutorial or a tool to assist with your research! There is also a Science Fiction Lounge for those who want to find inspiration to make their art or invention stand out from the rest. It also offers Family Storytime sessions and an Innovation & Ideation Studio area.
FSIL’s research includes Responsible and Sustainable Finance, FinTech, Blockchain, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing. The lab’s goals are to help underserved and underbanked consumers improve their financial health and wealth. The lab also supports research on financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and innovation in Atlanta. In addition to advancing the field of financial services, this initiative also supports Georgia Tech students, undergraduate, and graduate-level studies.
The InVenture Prize competition is an Emmy Award-winning innovation competition. It is open to all Georgia Tech undergraduate and graduate students. It aims to foster invention and creativity among future entrepreneurs. The competition is co-sponsored by Georgia Public Broadcasting and GPB. The program has turned an ordinary invention competition into a high-energy, televised competition.
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WEOP (Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Project)
All female entrepreneurs, and all those who identify themselves as such, are invited to join the Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Project (WEOP) , a group that offers a range of business opportunities and career growth programs.
WEOP was founded in 1999 by twin sisters who were dedicated to helping minorities women. It has been dedicated to helping them with “innovative programming and model projects” to help them connect with other people to face the challenges of the future.
The WEOP is located in East Point, Georgia, on the 2nd Floor of the Bank of America Building. Since then, WEOP has provided computer training programs for working-class women, money management classes and workforce development sessions. No matter your current status, anyone can come to the WEOP and learn how to maintain a work-life balance.
If you want to know how to take your company to the next level of success, take advantage of the contracting classes offered by WEOP. After completing the program, you will be able learn how to work with federal government agencies. You would also receive 3.0 continuing education units (CEUs) from Atlanta Technical College.
Network Under 40 – Atlanta
It’s not about collecting business cards. Instead, networking is about getting to know those who are truly interested in helping you achieve your goals. Network Under 40 is the only Atlanta-based networking group that promotes this philosophy.
Network Under 40 was founded by Darrah Brustein on March 11, 2011. It offers a relaxed, introverted atmosphere to anyone who attends their meetings. The group has expanded to 38 states since then.
Inc.com reports that Darrah’s event draws almost 200 people per month. Atlanta Under 40 is a place where people don’t sell each other. It’s all about getting to know new people. No matter if you prefer to talk to one person or a group of people at once, everyone is welcome to the interaction of friendship and business.
Atlanta Women’s Network
The Atlanta Women’s Network was founded in 1979 to provide a platform for women from all backgrounds to network and work together. It has been a major hub for female entrepreneurs who want to stand out among the crowd, but not be in competition.
The group hosts a luncheon every Thursday with top-notch speakers like Lorrie Thomas Ross, a marketing expert, and Heather Riggs (an attorney and SEO expert). One of Atlanta’s oldest Women’s Networks is a great place to start if you’re a female entrepreneur who wants to maximize your networking opportunities.
Atlanta GLOW
Atlanta Growing Leadership Of Women (Atlanta GLOW), one of Big Peach’s most loyal volunteer mentorship groups, helps young women between 14 and 25 unleash their entrepreneurial spirit through creative resources and networking opportunities like workshops, mentoring, and conferences. No matter if you are a working mother or a stay at home mom, any woman who wants to improve their skills can come to one of the sessions.
Atlanta Tech Village
The Atlanta Tech Village was founded by David Cummings, a startup enthusiast and innovator of world-class calibre, and is “a community of innovation powered by America’s 4th largest tech sector and deep connections with Atlanta’s investment and business community.”
The Village supports and inspires entrepreneurs by offering everything they need, from Friday pitch practice sessions to weekly mentoring programs. The Atlanta Tech Village may be an alternative to the traditional government programs and volunteer organizations.
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Decatur Makers
Decatur Makers is the Big Peach’s only family-friendly makerspace. It hosts classes like Metal Lathe 101 and the first ever DNA Barcoding Summer Symposium, which are open to all ages.
Open Build Nights are open to anyone interested in coding or welding and can attend any of the Open Build Nights. Open House nights on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesday of every month.
SCORE
SCORE is a national, non-profit, volunteer-based organization that has helped small business owners get to where they should be. SCORE Atlanta can help you get out of the rat-race, whether it’s in the planning or expansion stages.
