WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains will sponsor an intellectual property and product design protection seminar from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, in the Magnolia Room at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St.

Participants will learn how to legally protect their intellectual property (IP) – patents, trademarks and copyrights, according to SBTDC Coordinator Bronwen Madden. The seminar is geared toward innovators and developers who have an interest in protecting their product design, 3D drawings and manufacturing, she said.

Presenters Sam Digirolamo and Myers Dill of Husch Blackwell, LLP are licensed patent practitioners with offices in Springfield, St. Louis and Kansas City,” she said. John Woodson with the SBTDC hosted by Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla and the statewide small business technology development and commercialization team, will share about Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding, she added.

“Since we do not have a local licensed patent attorney, this is a great opportunity to connect with IP professionals at no cost,” Madden said. “Sam and Myers are no strangers to West Plains, as both work with area businesses. I sincerely hope our entrepreneurs, as well as the legal community, take advantage of this opportunity to learn the latest about 3D design protection and how to apply for SBIR and STTR funding.”

There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is requested, Madden said. To register, visit the SBTDC’s page on Eventbrite.com.

The SBTDC provides assistance to individuals who want to start or run their own small businesses. SBTDC staff work with Missouri entrepreneurs and small businesses that are for-profit (not a non-profit charitable or educational organization). Whether you are currently in business or thinking about starting a business, the SBTDC can assist you in your venture.

The West Plains SBTDC serves entrepreneurs in seven counties across the region: Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Shannon, Texas and Wright. Since it is funded in part through the Small Business Administration, virtually all of its services are free.

For more information about SBTDC and its services, visit the website or call 417-255-7966.