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    Streamlining research processes at UTRGV. Access tools and guidance for compliance, proposal submissions, funding, and more

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Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs)

The UTRGV Division of Research and University Library, in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (ECC), are organizing the grand openings of the PTRCs on May 1st at the Mission Center for Education & Economic Development (Upper Valley) and May 2nd at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization (Lower Valley). The events will feature several officials from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). University researchers, students, entrepreneurs, inventors, and community members from the RGV region are invited to attend. The events will take place from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on both days, with complimentary lunch provided for all in-person attendees.

USPTO Patent & Trademark Resource Centers

Join us for the Grand Opening Events - Register Now! 

University Library - Edinburg Campus (Mission)

Date: May 1, 2025

Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm

Location: Mission Center for Education & Economic Development (CEED), CEED, 801 N Bryan Rd, Mission, TX 78572

Register (May 1 - Mission Center)

University Library - Brownsville Campus (eBridge)

Date: May 2, 2025

Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm

Location: eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization, eBridge, 1304 East Adams Street, Brownsville, TX 78520

Register (May 2 - eBridge Center)

Both the UTRGV Library - Edinburg Campus and UTRGV Library - Brownsville Campus will now be designated as  Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

The PTRCs will be an exceptional resource for the RGV community, faculty, and students. The PTRC representatives at each library location are now trained to help RGV inventors, researchers, and other community members find the information they need to protect their intellectual property (IP). 

While PTRC representatives cannot provide legal advice, they can help the RGV community by

  • Showing how to use patent and trademark search tools
  • Explaining the application process
  • Assisting in using the USPTO's directory of local patent attorneys
  • Offering courses on IP (varies by location)
  • Help one find patent and trademark owner and assignee information
  • Connecting one to USPTO resources
PTRC Flyer

Agenda for May 1, 2025

Agenda
Time Description
10:00-10:15 am

Welcome Remarks by:

  • Andrew Portner, Research & Instruction Librarian, Edinburg Library, UTRGV
  • Jacob Choi, Southwest Assistant Regional Director, USPTO
  • Robert Berry, Manager, Patent and Trademark Resource Center Program, USPTO
10:15–11:00 am

USPTO and Intellectual Property Overview (Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, and Trade Secrets)

  • Jacob Choi, Southwest Assistant Regional Director, USPTO
  • Reynaldo Vasquez, Southwest Regional Outreach Officer, USPTO
11:00-11: 15 am

Patent and Trademark Resource Center Designation/Ribbon-cutting Ceremony  

Remarks by Dr. Thomas Spencer, Associate Vice President for Research, UTRGV
15 min break

 
11:30-1:00 pm

  • Open Panel + Lunch moderated by Derek G. Abrams, Faculty Research Fellow for Technology Transfer and Commercialization and Associate Professor of Practice, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, UTRGV 

    The panel discussion will focus on real life IP experiences— good and bad.  

    Panelists:  

    Thursday, May 1 in Mission

    • Dr. Julie P. Vanegas, Assistant Professor in Chemistry, Emerging researcher in Nanoscience 
    • Jacob Choi, Southwest Assistant Regional Director, USPTO
    • Robert Berry, Manager, Patent and Trademark Resource Center Program, USPTO
1:15-2:00 pm

Licensing Opportunities with UTRGV by Stormie Garza, Technology Licensing Associate

Agenda for May 2, 2025

Agenda
Time Description
10:00-10:15 am

Welcome Remarks by:

  • Jesus Resendez, Research & Instruction Librarian, Brownsville Library, UTRGV 
  • Hope Shimabuku, Southwest Regional Director, USPTO
  • Robert Berry, Manager, Patent and Trademark Resource Center Program, USPTO
10:15–11:00 am

USPTO and Intellectual Property Overview (Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, and Trade Secrets)

  • Hope Shimabuku, Southwest Regional Director, USPTO
  • Reynaldo Vasquez, Southwest Regional Outreach Officer, USPTO 
11:00-11: 15 am

Patent and Trademark Resource Center Designation/Ribbon-cutting Ceremony  

Remarks by Dr. Thomas Spencer, Associate Vice President for Research, UTRGV 
15 min break

 
11:30-1:00 pm

Open Panel + Lunch moderated by Derek G. Abrams, Faculty Research Fellow for Technology Transfer and Commercialization and Associate Professor of Practice, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, UTRGV  

The panel discussion will focus on real life IP experiences— good and bad. 

 Panelists: 

Friday, May 2 in Brownsville

  • Dr. Upal Roy, Associate Professor, Health & Biomedical Sciences
  • Dr. Sylvia Robles, Assistant Professor of Practice-Entrepreneurship
  • Hope Shimabuku, Southwest Regional Director, USPTO
  • Sara Butts, Librarian, Patent and Trademark Resource Center Program, USPTO 
1:15-2:00 pm

Licensing Opportunities with UTRGV by Stormie Garza, Technology Licensing Associate

RGV Startup Week Registration
Download USPTO PTRC Flyer
UTRGV PTRC Designation Letter

Division of Research

Brownsville

research@utrgv.edu
BBRHB 2.210
(956)-296-1549

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research@utrgv.edu
ESSBL 5.110
(956)-665-3883

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