Patent Powerhouse

event sponsor 

A free public event during which local entrepreneurs receive pro bono counsel from intellectual property attorneys on how and when to protect one’s ideas, as well as advice regarding when on the spectrum, from idea invention to starting a business, one should seek to protect his or her intellectual property. 

Entrepreneurs will leave with a better understanding of the steps necessary to make their vision a reality. This event is sponsored by Troutman Sanders and is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.

Why is this happening?

 The Patent Powerhouse is the first event in the i.e.* Entrepreneurial Trilogy, a series of programming designed to foster the success of start-up ventures in the region. Presented by the Greater Richmond Chamber and MWV, the Trilogy continues on May 1st with the “Idea Showcase,” where established entrepreneurs will provide their budding counterparts with inspiration and the how-to’s of creating a successful start-up.  The evening also will include an opportunity for new entrepreneurs to interact with individuals in creative and professional services to encourage a bartering of resources in preparation for the “Start-Up Competition,” the Trilogy’s third and final installment, to occur in June 21st at CenterStage. This culminating event is sponsored by Tumblr and will see several entrepreneurs compete before a panel of judges for the title of Region’s Next Best Start-Up. The winner will receive a generous cash prize. The deadline to apply to compete in the competition is May 8th.

How much does the Patent Powerhouse cost and where is it?

Zero dollars. The event is at Troutman Sanders, which is a law firm on the 15th floor of the Haxall Point building. Directions and a map are at left. Free parking is available in the building. From 10th Street, just south of E. Byrd, enter the building through the Parking/Delivery entrance and drive through the parking deck attendant/ticket booth gates. Continue up the parking ramp to levels P3-P6, and park in spaces marked for "Troutman Sanders Client Parking" or in any unreserved parking space. Take the parking elevator down to the Lobby level, then proceed to the office tower elevators up to the 15th floor.

 What the heck is i.e.*?  

The Chamber launched i.e.* in 2011 to highlight the Richmond region’s talented workforce by making cross-industry connections and encouraging new innovation and growth. The i.e.* initiative also produces and partners on additional programming, including idea salons and interactive shop talks. For more information about i.e.*, contact Chrystal Neal, (804) 783-9310. If you would like to live tweet during any i.e.* event, please use the hashtag #ierva.

What does the Chamber do? 

The Greater Richmond Chamber is a membership organization that works to make the Richmond Region an ideal location for businesses and their employees to prosper. The Chamber is a not-for-profit association with more than 1,300 members and a professional staff of 24,  

I'm a member of the press and would like more information.

Contact Lesley Bruno, (804) 783-9328, lesley.bruno@grcc.com