USPTO and LES-SVC Host Webinar on Early-Stage Funding Strategies for Inventors

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Western Regional Outreach Office, together with the Licensing Executives Society–Silicon Valley Chapter (LES-SVC), is continuing its Successful Inventing series with a session dedicated to early-stage funding and informal planning for inventors.

This educational webinar is designed to assist innovators in navigating the critical early phases of the invention process. Each virtual session in the series features expert discussions on topics such as intellectual property, prototyping, licensing, and funding.

The upcoming session is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Pacific Time (7 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time) and will focus specifically on manufacturing and funding strategies.

Participants will gain insights into approaching their personal networks—including founders, family, and friends—for seed funding, emphasizing the importance of proper documentation in these informal arrangements.

The session will also highlight funding opportunities available through state and federal agencies, including grants, loans, and support programs administered by entities such as the Small Business Administration (SBA) and various state innovation offices.

Equity loans and investment companies will be discussed, with attention to the advantages and disadvantages of exchanging ownership stakes in a company for immediate capital.

Additionally, the webinar will provide an overview of private investors, particularly angel investors, explaining their role and what they typically expect from inventors seeking funding.

The USPTO stresses that this initiative is strictly educational and informational. It does not provide legal advice, endorse any private entities, or guarantee specific outcomes. References to events or third parties should not be interpreted as endorsements.

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By participating in this session, inventors and innovators can better understand the landscape of early-stage funding and the informal planning necessary to advance their inventions toward commercialization.