Programs
MARKETING AND PATENT PROGRAM (MAPP)
MAPP Patent Seminar & Appointments
January 23 & 24, 2006: “Intellectual Property Protection Strategies: Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks”
The schedule for our January 2006 Patent Seminar and Initial Consultations is currently under development. Tentative locations are being planned for Houghton and Marquette, Michigan.
If you are interested in learning more about protecting your inventions and your intellectual assets, please continue reading below for additional information.
This site will be updated as the schedule is confirmed. Please contact Jonathan Leinonen at jleinonen@mtecsmart.com or by telephone at 906-487-7004 with any questions or to get more information.
September 26, 2005: “Strategies for Protecting Software, Writings and Business Methods”
6:00PM – 8:00PM at the Advanced Technology Development Complex, Houghton , MI .
Are you puzzled over questions like these?
Then this seminar is for you!
At this seminar, patent attorney William Abbatt will discuss legal protection for intellectual property including patents, copyrights and trademarks. Examples will emphasize information technology protection including computer programs, technical processes, Internet sites, open-source software, databases, applicable laws and related topics.
You will also:
Included with your registration you will receive:
Registration cost is $20 per business, with up to 3 attendees. University students and faculty only $5. Call 906-487-7004 or email patents@mtecsmart.com to register. Light refreshments are provided.
June 20 & 21: Summer Patent Seminars Draw Entrepreneurs Seeking Patent Assistance
The Michigan Tech Enterprise SmartZone held two patent seminars in June to support entrepreneurs and small businesses with professional patent assistance. The seminars were led by patent attorney William Abbatt from the intellectual property law firm Brooks Kushman, P.C., based in Southfield , MI . This was the attorney's second quarterly visit to Houghton through the SmartZone's Marketing and Patent Assistance Program launched earlier this year.
The event featured two presentations, both held at Michigan Technological University 's Advanced Technology Development Complex in Houghton. The first was on the topic of “Should I Get a Patent? Why, When and How Successful Businesses Use Patents.” The Second presentation featured an interactive demonstration of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website and patents database. Together, the presentations drew about two dozen attendees from the area including Houghton, Calumet , L'Anse and Marquette . One attendee reflected, “I gained tremendously from attending both sections of the seminar.”
The patent attorney also held office hours with five area high-tech businesses to begin new or expand prior client relationships. Initial consultations, patenting strategies, and new patent applications were discussed. Within two weeks the firm will file the first patent application for a local business as a result of the patent assistance provided through the SmartZone.
The next Seminar will be scheduled for September. Please contact Jonathan Leinonen at the SmartZone for additional information about that seminar or to be added to the SmartZone's e-mailing list (906-487-7004, jleinonen@mtecsmart.com).
March 15 Patent Seminar:
Over 40 Inventors and Entrepreneurs Attend Michigan Tech Enterprise SmartZone Patents Seminar: PROTECTING THE INVENTION - FROM CONCEPTION THROUGH PATENT ISSUANCE, presented by William Abbatt, Brooks Kushman P.C.
The SmartZone held its first patent attorney seminar at the Advanced Technology Development Complex (ATDC) on March 15th in partnership with Brooks Kushman, P.C. of Southfield, MI. A first-time event for the Houghton area, over 40 people attended the two and a half-hour seminar. Patent Attorney Bill Abbatt covered a broad range of topics including what can be patented, types of patents, how to file a patent application, licensing, and developing patent strategies. He also held initial consultations with several local entrepreneurs and businesses. Pete Radecki, Executive Director of Corporate Services for Michigan Technological University concluded the seminar with a tour for participants through the ATDC.
Jonathan Leinonen , SmartZone Program Manager commented, “we were overwhelmed with the response for patent assistance in the area. This reflects the creativity, technical capability and excitement within the community to do something with business ideas that create value and add to the local economy.” Steve Fitzgerald of Consistacom, a local developer of software for the telecommunications industry said “having a patent attorney available locally increases our ability to protect our business assets and market position. It's something we've been thinking about, and this SmartZone program makes it much easier.”
The seminar marks the first of what will be quarterly seminars and office hours held by Brooks Kushman in the Upper Peninsula . The SmartZone plans to host the next seminar and appointments in mid-June. Any business or entrepreneur interested in learning more about intellectual property protection including patents, copyrights, licensing and related topics is encouraged to contact Jonathan Leinonen at the SmartZone at 906-487-7004. “I hope the success and word of this event encourages even more people to take advantage of the programs and assistance at the SmartZone. We're looking to tailor programs and services to the specific needs of local entrepreneurs and businesses,” Leinonen said.
This MAPP program is supported by a grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, with an objective of establishing an office in the U.P. for Brooks Kushman P.C. to make their services available for any entrepreneur or business. The MAPP program also provides local businesses and entrepreneurs with professional marketing assistance. Please contact Jon Leinonen at the SmartZone for additional information.
Who Qualifies for MAPP Assistance?
What Is the Michigan Technology Tri-Corridor (MTTC)?
Have you had an idea for a new product and need to talk to a patent attorney about it? Do you want to know more about protecting an idea with patents, trademarks, non-disclosure and licensing agreements? Or, have you been trying to launch a new product or grow an existing one but don't know how to analyze the market, set a reasonable price, or find a way to distribute it in the Global marketplace? These are some of the frequently asked questions that prompted the SmartZone to apply for and receive a state grant that will enable us to offer more comprehensive patenting and marketing assistance.
We have named this new program the Marketing and Patent Assistance Program (MAPP), and its purpose is to subsidize the costs of bringing patent attorneys and marketing services to the U.P. Until now, entrepreneurs and businesses had to travel outside the U.P. to meet with experts in these fields. By paying the travel costs and negotiating reduced rates, MAPP will offer timely, high-quality and cost-effective assistance to entrepreneurs, startups and established businesses. In certain cases, MAPP will also pay for some of the costs of assisting an entrepreneur or company. The SmartZone's objective is to help grow the high-tech job base here in the U.P. by making it easier to start and grow a business.
MAPP's patent assistance program: After interviewing and visiting a number of different patent attorney firms in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, the SmartZone selected the Southfield, MI firm of Brooks Kushman, P.C. (BK). BK is a law firm with over 40 patent attorneys and agents trained in a broad range of scientific disciplines and experienced in working with entrepreneurs and small companies in the areas of patent prosecution, trademark and copyright services, developing and negotiating licensing agreements, surveying existing patent landscapes, providing opinions, designing around existing patents and litigation. MAPP will bring BK attorneys to the U.P. on a quarterly basis and provide them with a local office. MAPP will also schedule workshops that BK will offer covering such topics as patents, trademarks, international patent protection, licensing strategies, updates on patent law, and other subjects of interest to local entrepreneurs and businessmen. Anyone may take advantage of BK's services and make an appointment to meet with them or attend their workshops. However, if you are developing products or services in Michigan 's Tri-Corridor (Homeland Security, Advanced Automotive Design, or the Life Sciences) and fit the SmartZone criteria (i.e., are “high-tech” developing or growing a company that will generate local jobs), MAPP may also subsidize a part of the costs of working with BK. As there are no full-service patent firms in the U.P., this is a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking for assistance with intellectual property issues.
MAPP's marketing assistance: Under MAPP, Boomerang Marketing, with an office in the Powerhouse in Houghton, will offer marketing help. What kind of marketing assistance can MAPP offer? First, market assessments – who is your customer, why will they want your product or service, how much will they pay for it, how do you reach them, who are your competitors, how big is the market, how do you sell outside the U.P. and outside the country? Second, strategic planning – how do you create a more professional image, establish a promotional campaign, prepare a new product launch, develop sales tools, organize a communications strategy? Many businesses and entrepreneurs in the U.P. have developed cutting-edge products and services but lack the experience and expertise to effectively market those products. As with MAPP's patent assistance, if you are working within the Tri-Corridor and qualify for SmartZone assistance, MAPP may pay a portion of the marketing costs. In this case, MAPP may also find and pay a portion of the costs of hiring additional marketing experts in a particular field, such as telecommunications or medical devices. In this way, your company will be more prepared to compete on a global scale.
Who Qualifies for MAPP Assistance?
First, does your company or idea fit the SmartZone criteria in the following table?
| Criteria |
Optimal |
Acceptable |
Unacceptable |
| Technology-based |
Proprietary position |
Technology integral to business |
Technology user only |
| Industry segment |
Biomedical, pharmaceutical, computers, electronics, imaging, internet and networks, multimedia, optics, software, telecommunications |
Wholesale distributor, retail storefront, consulting (only) |
|
| Growth potential |
$10+ M within 5 7 years |
$3+ M within 5 years |
Less than $1M within 5 years |
| Competition with other MTEC clients |
None |
Indirect |
Direct and existing client finds it unacceptable |
| Business Plan |
Exists |
In process |
Unwilling to create |
| Creditworthiness |
Sufficient to ensure rent payments |
Unable to confirm first 6 months rent |
|
| Probability of MTEC being helpful |
Most needs match MTEC capabilities |
Some needs match MTEC capabilities |
No needs match MTEC capabilities |
| Receptivity |
Open to dialogue and receptive to MTEC feedback |
Only wants space |
|
| Interactivity |
Seeks interaction with MTEC clients and staff |
Will sometimes interact with clients and MTEC staff |
No interest in participating in events, coaching |
| Probability of success |
Highly committed with relevant prior experience |
Highly committed |
Limited commitment |
Second, does your company or idea fit within Michigan's Tri-Corridor (MTTC) of Homeland Security, Life Sciences or Advanced Automotive technologies?
If the answer to both questions is Yes, than you may qualify for MAPP subsidized assistance. If you answered the first question Yes but are not working within the Tri-Corridor, you still qualify for reduced rate assistance under MAPP.
What Is the Michigan Technology Tri-Corridor (MTTC)?
The Tri-Corridor refers to Michigan's efforts to support companies developing products or services in the three areas of Advanced Automotive, Homeland Security and Life Sciences.
Advanced Automotive
Technologies
Michigan is the intellectual capital and global R&D automotive center, spending
$10.3 billion annually and employing over 60,000 professionals statewide. This
industry in Michigan focuses on engineered products, processes and technologies
with applications in the automotive industry that:
Homeland Security Technologies
Since the devastating attacks on the World Trade Center
and the Pentagon, the phrase “homeland security” has become very familiar
to the general public. The first actions taken were very much a response to
this act: the upgrading of border and airport security, the passage of new laws
designed to thwart similar attacks and governmental re-organization.
Right now, the United States finds itself at the next stage in
the evolution of homeland security in which the private sector has a large part
to play. Approximately $33 billion of federal funding in FY 2005 with a
heavy emphasis on developing new technology is being made available to assist
the four main parts of effective preparedness to threats to the nation (with
examples):
Life Sciences
Part of the Michigan economy since before the automobile, the state's life sciences
companies have been profitably growing and making discoveries that benefit the
state and the world. Michigan 's life sciences industry focuses on the following
areas:
Source: http://medc.michigan.org/ttc/
What is the purpose of the Marketing and Patent Program?
The program is primarily intended for entrepreneurs and small businesses that will be able to start or expand their businesses through partially subsidized marketing and patent services. Until now, businesses often traveled out of the U.P. to meet with experts in these fields. With this program, marketing and patent experts are available in a Houghton office for timely, high quality and cost-effective assistance. In the end, the goal of the program is to help companies with high growth potential increase local employment opportunities and stronger communities.
What is the funding source for the subsidized assistance?
A Michigan Technology Tri-Corridor (MTTC) grant from the State of Michigan covers the cost of program services. Michigan 's Technology Tri-Corridor is a state initiative to foster growth in advanced automotive technologies , homeland security and life sciences industries through funding and resource collaboration, focusing on emerging technology sectors. More information can be found at http://medc.michigan.org/ttc/tricorridor/
What are the requirements to receive subsidized services?
Participants must meet SmartZone requirements and be working on a product or service within the Tri-Corridor definitions and show a high commitment to success and other factors. Subsidized services will not be granted to companies that are purely technology users, consulting companies or entrepreneurs without a robust business plan. Review the " Who Qualifies for MAPP Assistance? " section above as well as the applications under " How Do I Apply? ".
What costs are subsidized?
The program finances limited services of expert patent lawyers from the Southfield firm of Brooks Kushman P.C. and Boomerang Marketing. Subsidized costs include the companies' periodic travel to Houghton, initiating patent filings, purchasing professional marketing research and developing a direct marketing program. Participants will be required to pay for all services that do not qualify for or exceed the available subsidy. The program will not pay for costs such as printing, advertising or any work that is not critical to the business' future growth.
What are the obligations of the business receiving a subsidy?
The business must initially provide a plan that emphasizes growth objectives related to the assistance that it will receive. Following the assistance, it will be required to submit periodic reports to show the material effect that the assistance produced. A business that receives a patent is requested to reimburse the SmartZone up to the value of the subsidy used to procure the patent within the first few years of its successful commercialization or licensing.
Can established businesses utilize available service providers?
Yes. Established businesses (those with recurring revenue and/or profit) are encouraged to utilize the available service providers even though they may not qualify for a program subsidy. Brooks Kushman and Boomerang Marketing provide local offices at the SmartZone for the convenience of all local businesses, thereby reducing the cost and improving the level of service to all clients in the area. Seminars offered within the program are open to all interested businesses.
Can I receive assistance without having formed a company?
Yes. Individuals that meet the program acceptance criteria are encouraged to apply.
Who is providing the expert services?
Following an arduous selection process, the SmartZone chose Boomerang Marketing, a local full-service marketing company, for initial marketing services and Brooks Kushman, a full-service Intellectual Property Law firm from Southfield , Michigan , for patent services. Each company will provide reduced-rate services within the program and operate offices in Houghton , Michigan . As necessary, the program may also engage services from additional marketing experts.
Will my proprietary business information be kept confidential?
Any business information that you provide in confidence will be kept confidential. If you receive patent assistance, you will enter attorney-client privilege with the patent attorney. Information including your business name, a description of your business and similar general information may be publicized in the program's marketing campaign. Additionally, you will be required to periodically report certain performance metrics in aggregate to measure the success of the program, none of which will be of a confidential nature.
What is the process for getting a patent and how much does it cost?
Patent costs will depend on how difficult it is to describe the invention and compare it to prior art. The following PowerPoint presentation will provide an idea of what to expect:
My situation is somewhat unique. Can I still receive assistance?
If you are unsure whether your business will qualify for subsidized services due to some unique circumstances, please let us know. Even if your business does not meet the current program requirements, we want to help and would like to know how we can accommodate your needs.
Who can I call for additional information?
Contact Jonathan Leinonen, Program Manager at 906-487-7004 or jleinonen@mtecsmart.com or Carlton Crothers, MTEC SmartZone CEO, at 906-487-7000 or ccrothers@mtecsmart.com .
The following section outlines the process for applying to MAPP:
Before meeting with the SmartZone, please fill in as much as you can in the application form(s) and bring them with you. To open and print the application forms, please click below:
Patent Assistance Application - PatentAssistanceForm
Marketing Assistance Application - MarketingAssistanceForm
Brooks Kushman web site: www.brookskushman.com
Additional information and resources on patents and trademarks can be found below under "Resource Catalog for Inventors".