On September 16, 2011, President Obama signed into law the Leahey-Smith America Invents Act, which is a major rewrite of the United States patent laws providing some of the biggest changes to the U.S. patent system since 1952. “The America Invents Act makes significant changes to the patenting process that many of us have been familiar with for decades. Inventors, technology companies and investors should be aware of these changes, and how the new patent law is intended to bolster innovation, streamline the patent system and reduce patent litigation,” Pat said.
                                                       
Some of the changes provided through the America Invents Act include changes from first-to-invent law to first-to-file law, a new post-grant review process, restriction of false marketing lawsuits, and many more changes that will be discussed in full at the February Inventor’s Club meeting.

Following the presentation on the changes made by the America Invents Act, the floor will open up for a discussion session where attendees can voice any questions or concerns they may have.

The Inventor’s Club provides a round table for inventors to discuss problems, ideas and lessons learned with one another in order to help turn their ideas into commercially viable products. This meeting provides a comfortable and productive atmosphere for local inventors to share resources, tips and receive feedback from one another. (All attendees must sign a confidentiality agreement).

Attendance is free to all Inventors Club Meetings; however, a minimum of 4 meetings must be attended each year in order to be considered an active member. Please RSVP, to seh3@pct.edu  or call 329-3200 x8073 by Friday, February 17.  All attendees should enter at the North entrance of the new TGI Electronics building, which will be marked by balloons.

The Inventor’s Club is hosted by the Williamsport / Lycoming Keystone Innovation Zone at IMC, Inc. and is supported by the Williamsport SCORE chapter.

To learn more, visit www.wlkiz.com.

Affiniton, LLC were finalists in the traffic enforcement category for their product, DrugWipe, which tests sweat, oral fluid, and surface residue for drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy.

To read the whole Williamsport Sun-Gazette article, visit www.sungazette.com/Company-wins-award-for-new-drug-test.html.

 his year’s awards took the total dollar amount of KIZ Tax Credits received by Williamsport/Lycoming KIZ Companies since 2007 to over $1.7 million. Every year, the state makes $25 million in tax credits available to KIZ Companies. The companies receiving KIZ Tax Credits this year in the Williamsport/Lycoming Keystone Innovation Zone are Invent Yourself Rich, LLC; Keystone Leather Distributors, LLC; Lang’s Chocolates; Strouse Industrial, LLC; Tasseron Sensors, Inc.; The R.A.T.E. Company, LLC; TLC North, LLC; and TQ Electronics, Inc. 

“It is fantastic how much value the KIZ Companies receive from this program. The unique nature of this tax credit allows eligible companies to sell credits for much needed cash to support their critical years of business growth,” stated Katie Bell, Innovation and Market Development Consultant and coordinator of the Williamsport/Lycoming KIZ at IMC, Inc.

Tax Credit dollars are awarded based upon a KIZ companies increase in revenue between two calendar years. Tax credit amounts are 50% of the increase in revenue, up to $100,000. KIZ tax credits can also be sold for cash under certain conditions.

Hosted by IMC, Inc., the Williamsport/Lycoming KIZ is part of a statewide program encouraging innovation and business start-up growth.

For more information, visit www.wlkiz.com or contact the KIZ at 329-3200 or info@wlkiz.com.

The Keystone to Inventor Education… read the article here!

This year was the 118^th International Association of Chiefs of Police conference, held in Chicago. Every year this awards program showcases cutting-edge advances in the field of law enforcement. The 13 categories that are awarded include:  Body Armor & Safety, Communications, Computers, Corrections & Security, Firearms & Weapons, Firearms & Weapons Accessories, Forensics, Software, Surveillance, Tactical, Traffic Enforcement, Training, Uniforms & Apparel, and Vehicles & Vehicle Accessories.

Affiniton is a fast growing company, located in Williamsport, PA. Along with their successful DrugWipe product, the company is moving their offices to a larger location that will allow for additional success and growth.

IMC, Inc. and the Williamsport/Lycoming KIZ are dedicated to encouraging creativity and fostering innovation to grow PA manufacturers and new businesses. KIZ Companies receive access to a unique state tax credit program, and assistance with developing and launching new products.

For more Williamsport/Lycoming KIZ support information, visit www.wlkiz.com or contact Katie Bell at 570-329-3200 x8083.