Patent and Trademark Resource Center at UT Libraries now open
UT Libraries’ newest service, a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC), celebrated its grand opening on August 14.
The PTRC at UT Libraries connects innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and community members with resources for exploring patents, trademarks, and intellectual property. The center will provide access to specialized tools and offer expert guidance in their use. PTRC staff will be available for individual consultations or group instruction and will offer scheduled workshops throughout the academic year.
UT’s PTRC is part of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s nationwide PTRC network — and is the only PTRC in Tennessee.
At the opening-day ceremony, PTRC Lead Representative Molly Cross joined ORIED’s Director of Entrepreneurship and New Ventures, Marc Nabhan, and Program Manager Nanda Coimbra in welcoming guests to their shared headquarters in Hodges Library Room 170.
Elizabeth Dougherty, a Regional Outreach Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, delivered the keynote address. Dougherty spoke about the importance of the USPTO in encouraging innovation and protecting the rights of authors and inventors.
UT Dean of Libraries Steve Smith heralded the center’s impact across the state and region, saying “We are especially proud that — in alignment with the university’s land-grant mission — this service is available not only to members of the University of Tennessee community, but everyone with a need for these resources throughout our region.”
The PTRC will be open Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Research Lab hours are Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
To contact the center, visit 170 Hodges Library, call 865-974-4613 or email ptrc@utk.edu.