50+ Lifestyles

Do You Have a New Idea?

By Bill Ratzburg
Patent Director
Midwest Intellectual Property Management Institute

Have you ever had an idea that you thought involved something brand new, something no one else had ever thought of? And then, once you had that idea, did you wonder what to do next?

We can help! There is an exciting new organization in the Quad Cities area to help you understand the process of commercializing new ideas. The Midwest Intellectual Property Management Institute is just such a place. The IP Institute is a non-profit organization that’s sole purpose is to create wealth and jobs in two ways – by helping new and existing businesses grow … and through commercializing intellectual property. This means that the IP Institute understands what it takes to get an idea from the drawing board into a new product.

And how this will happen? Well, every day people all over our region are retiring. People with world class knowledge and skills. People who want to stay active. People who want to be involved in their communities. The IP Institute is building a large data base of these individuals … scientists, engineers, marketing experts, manufacturing pros, business developers … the list goes on and on. These are the people who will be available to help you when you have that revolutionary new idea.

And how about you? Would you like to help with something stimulating like this? Help people make their dreams come true? Help people grow their current businesses through paid project work? Just get in touch by visiting www.midwestipi.com or contacting Julie Forsythe, Talent Pool Director, at (309) 764-3988 ext. 15 or email jforsythe@midwestipi.com .

The IP Institute has a new idea, as well – the IPI Engagement Center for Members of the IP Institute. Would you like to gather with other like-minded folks and share a great cup of coffee? The IPI Engagement Center is located at 1529 – 3rd Avenue A in Moline.

So if you have a new idea, or even if you don’t right now but would like use your lifetime of experience to help others develop theirs, let Julie know or call Bill Ratzburg, Patent Director, at (309) 764-3988 ext. 13 (email wratzburg@midwestipi.com).

Bill Ratzburg is Patent Director at Midwest Intellectual Property Management Institute. He can be reached at (309) 764-3988 ext. 13 (email wratzburg@midwestipi.com).