Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks:
The USPTO
The USPTO is the United States Patent and Trademark Office. It is a vast and reliable resource for protecting your idea. From finding the correct forms you need to finding the right patent for you, the USPTO is an invaluable resource. Spend some time sifting through the pages and doing your patent homework!
Inventor Resources and Information
Find a Registered Patent Attorney In Your Area
Protecting your idea is always the biggest first step you can take. The questions everyone has is "How do I protect my idea?" or "Can I even patent this?"... as everyone's situation and idea is different the best way to get information catered to your idea is to visit a patent attorney. It's their JOB to give advice and make sure your idea is protected by US and international law, and you can be sure that any USPTO-registered attorney is not out to steal your idea. Also, MOST attorneys will offer a FREEexploratory meeting to determine what sorts of protection you need, how much it will cost and whether there is already an existing product out there. For any personalized patent questions, the best resource for your needs is most likely a skilled patent attorney! Start searching now!
The Library of Congress Copyright Office
A Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U. S. Code) to the authors of “original works of authorship,” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. This protection is available to both published and unpublished works.
Copyright FAQ
Trademark Central
A trademark includes any word, name, symbol, or device, or any combination used, or intended to be used, in commerce to identify and distinguish the goods of one manufacturer or seller from goods manufactured or sold by others, and to indicate the source of the goods. In short, a trademark is a brand name.
Helpful Resources For Finding Trade Shows:
"The Ultimate Trade Show Directory"
Biz Trade Shows
Trade Show Week
Financing Help For Your Small Business:
US Small Business Administration
About The SBA: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation
SBA Grants
SBA Loans
Government Grants
National Venture Capital Association
Helpful Manufacturing Tools:
US Government’s Manufacturer’s Toolbox
ThomasNet
Alibaba.com
An independent website that allows you to connect with international manufacturers to begin production and manfacture of your product on a larger scale.
Elance.com
Popular Business Networking Sites:
StartupNation
Linkedin
Zoominfo
CNBC does not directly endorse or support any of these websites, but offers them as suggestions and resources for further research