PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 30, 2008 - The Weiss Tech House, a student-run hub of technological innovation at the University of Pennsylvania, has invited John Calvert of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to speak about patents, copyrights and trademarks. Mr. Calvert will give an overview of the patent process and how to maneuver the USPTO site, as well as how to gain federal registration of intellectual property like art or animation. The speaker event will take place on Tuesday, September 30th from 6:30-8:00 PM at the Wu & Chen Auditorium.

After graduating from North Carolina State University with a Master of Science in Textile Management, Mr. Calvert joined the USPTO in 1990 and has since worked on numerous details and work assignments. He is chiefly responsible for the Inventor Assistance Program, which includes inventor outreach and university outreach initiatives. The USPTO has made outreach and education a high priority due to the increased interest in intellectual property both by new businesses and educational institutions. Mr. Calvert has received numerous achievement awards, including the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal for superior Federal service and the USPTO Exceptional Career Award.

For more information about this event and to view the 2008-2009 events calendar for the Weiss Tech House, please visit www.tech-house.upenn.edu.

###

ABOUT THE WEISS TECH HOUSE:
The Weiss Tech House is a student-run hub of technological innovation at the University of Pennsylvania that encourages and supports students in the creation, development and commercialization of innovative technologies. Students with a range of technological interest and skill can learn about technology, collaborate with peers, and take advantage of our in-house Innovation Fund, PennVention inventors’ competition, educational workshops, speaker series, and business mentoring programs. For more information, visit www.tech-house.upenn.edu.