Last Thursday, Innovation DuPage welcomed Lesley A. Wallerstein to teach Patent and Trademark law basics to their Clean Energy Incubator students. The Clean Energy Incubator Program “empowers emerging entrepreneurs in the clean tech industry by providing free access to Innovation DuPage’s renowned resources, expert mentorship, and customized cohort-based training.”

Lesley joined a panel comprising talented startup lawyer Leslee Cohen and brilliant energy and utility lawyer Paul Neilan. Did you know that Lesley taught high school science for 5 years? She loves getting “in front of” students and sharing her enthusiasm for all things science and tech. Talking about intellectual property law is her most sweetest sweet spot.

Lesley demystified what patents and trademarks are, and what they are not. She debunked common misconceptions about what “patent-pending” and “TM” really mean. She identified common pitfalls to avoid and how an attorney can help. Lesley showed real-life examples of real local clients like them who got patents or trademarks, and how they use them to strengthen their business. Lesley explained the nuts and bolts too, how much patents and trademarks cost, how long they last, and how they might enhance a clean tech business. Lesley did all of this in plain user-friendly English, never in legalese or patent-ese.

Do you have a business idea and need help getting off the ground? Incubators like Innovation DuPage, and mHub, 1871, and Matter are a great way to get started. They provide a community of like-minded entrepreneurs to inspire you and mentors to guide you, typically at little or no cost. There are people out there willing to help you and work with you, so make that first call.

Lesley Wallerstein offers a no-cost and risk-free 15-minute discovery call to anyone who wants to know whether their idea has legs. What are you waiting for?