The National Hardware Show (NHS) is excited to host the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as well as the United Inventors Association (UIA) at the 2020 Virtual Show, taking place Monday, October 12 – Thursday, October 15, 2020. As the destination for all things hardware industry related, the Show always promotes the tools needed to equip customers, empower businesses, and engage with industry leaders.

“The Show’s number one goal is to propel the industry forward through education, sourcing opportunities, engagement and more. The USPTO and UIA offer an additional layer of instruction for those seeking information and ideas to take their business and/or product to the next level,” said Rich Russo, Industry Vice President, National Hardware Show. “We are eager to leverage the 2020 National Hardware Virtual Show to help our attendees meet the immediate demand of our ever-evolving industry.”

The USPTO session entitled, “Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy is a Business Strategy” is slated to take place Monday, October 12 at 2:00 p.m., hosted by Assistant Regional Director, Steve Koziol. The USPTO will offer an overview on the four major types of intellectual property (IP) with an emphasis on patents and explain why innovators and entrepreneurs should consider them in their business plan. Topics also include an outline of intellectual property types: patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets; Why innovators and entrepreneurs should consider protecting their IP; Understanding the risks of early disclosure; Resources and assistance available through the USPTO.

The United Inventors Association (UIA) pitch panels entitled, “Pitch to the Experts”, will take place Tuesday, October 13 and Wednesday, October 14, at 2:00 p.m. with panelists such as Warren Tuttle, Open Innovation Director for Lifetime Brands, Michael Miller, Director of Product Partnerships, Rita Compton, Retail Product Sales Expert, Dara Trujillo, Executive Level Retail Expert and Carmine Denisco, Co-Founder of Inventors Launchpad™. The panels will give attendees the chance to pitch product and receive real-time feedback and advice from decision makers known for helping inventors launch successful products throughout the industry.

“The 2020 National Hardware Virtual Show is the place to be if you’re an industry professional,” said Warren Tuttle, Open Innovation Director for Lifetime Brands. “We are proud to host the UIA pitch panel in an effort to support the industry and help create the next generation of inventors and innovative ideas. Tune in for an all-star lineup of panelists with years of industry experience under their belt.”

Registration for the 2020 Virtual Show is now open and members of the industry, retailers, as well as members of the press, are encouraged to sign up now and experience everything that NHS has to offer. All interested attendees can sign up here. All information you provide will be used to create your "virtual badge" and personalized digital profile.

 

For more information and to stay informed on the latest updates to this year’s National Hardware Show, please click the link below: