United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): The official U.S. Government website for general information concerning patents and their filing and registration.

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Types of Patent Applications/Proceedings (USPTO): Information on the types of patents - utility, plant, design, etc. - and how to file.

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Trademark basics (USPTO): What every small business should know now, not later before filing.

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Inventor & Entrepreneur Resources (USPTO): The patent and trademark processes can be challenging if one is not familiar with them. This site is a good place to start .

 

IP Help for Independent Inventors and Small Business:The Independent Inventors section of the USPTO web site provides information on programs to assist independent inventors and small businesses in registering their IP. The Inventor Assistance Program is part of the Office of Commissioner and offers bi-monthly online chats for inventors and small businesses. A panel of experts from across the USPTO answer question for one hour every other month.

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Copyright Office: The United States Copyright Office is a part of the Library of Congress and administers the registration and rulemaking for copyrights in the United States. Their site includes a Registration Portal which serves as the starting point for all things related to the registration of copyrights.

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Alabama Secretary of State: Business Services administers all business-related responsibilities for the Secretary of State including filing of commercial liens and registering of new businesses. Trademarks - Trademarks, service marks and trade names may be registered by submitting an application for registration, three specimens and the registration fee.

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Florida Secretary of State: The Division of Corporations is the State of Florida's official business entity index and commercial activity website. Trademarks - Register or search for trademarks and service marks in Florida.

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Louisiana Secretary of State: The Commercial Division encompasses Corporations, geauxBIZ, Administrative Services and Uniform Commercial Code. This page is a clearinghouse for all business-related information, from searching the SOS database to filing a business online. Trademarks - Reserving, Registering, and Renewing Trade Names, Trademarks, and Service Marks

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Mississippi Secretary of State: The Business Services Division processes the formation of Mississippi corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other business and nonprofit entities. It also grants certificates of authority for foreign companies who wish to do business in the State of Mississippi. Trademarks - The State of Mississippi allows businesses or individuals to register a trademark or service mark with the state. Mississippi has one of the most innovative trademark statutes in the country and was recognized by the International Trademarks Association (INTA) for having the most progressive trademark laws nationwide. 

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Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) Intellectual Property Video Series: Dive into five fundamental topics: IP, trade secrets, patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Each video offers informative and easy-to-follow visual explanations of the protections and rights available to businesses and individuals looking to partner with federal laboratories.

 

Staying Legally Compliant: Information and resources to assist a small business stay compliant with state and federal business laws. Legal responsibilities will depend on the type of business and location.

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OSHA's Small Business Assistance: Provides numerous OSHA resources and information designed specifically for small business employers, including safety and health tools and publications, easy-to-follow guides for specific OSHA standards, and descriptions of benefits that small businesses receive from OSHA.

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IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center: Resources for taxpayers who file Form 1040, Schedules C, E, F or Form 2106, as well as small businesses with assets under $10 million.

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