Patent / Copyright / Trademark
Patents, copyrights and trademarks are different forms of legal protection for intellectual property. Patents give the inventor the exclusive right to make, use and sell an invention, while copyrights protect original creative works and trademarks distinguish a company’s products or services. All three are designed to promote innovation and creativity by providing legal incentives for individuals and companies to invest in new ideas and creations.
Technical Writing Basics
Technical writing involves creating clear and concise documents that explain the various forms of legal protection for intellectual property. This may include patent specifications, copyright registrations and trademark applications, among other documents. Technical writers must have a strong understanding of intellectual property laws and regulations and the ability to communicate complex information in a way accessible to a broad audience.
Provisional Process
Filing a provisional patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) allows inventors to establish a priority date for their invention without having to file a formal, non-provisional patent application. The provisional application is a placeholder for a later, more comprehensive application. The provisional application must include a written description of the invention and any drawings or diagrams necessary to understand it.
Invention vs. Innovation
In the field of intellectual property, invention and innovation are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Invention refers to creating a new and useful process, machine, manufacture or composition of matter that is not obvious to someone with ordinary skill in the relevant field. An invention is typically patentable, and the patent owner has the exclusive right to make, use, and sell the invention for a limited period.
Engineering Notebook
An engineering notebook serves as a legal document that can be used to establish ownership of an invention or innovation in intellectual property law. The notebook typically includes detailed notes, sketches and drawings documenting the engineer’s thought process and progress in developing an invention. The entries in the notebook are usually organized by date and include a description of the work performed, any problems encountered and potential solutions.
Teacher Resources
Various career awareness opportunities are made available to you and your school including:
- classroom presentations about NPPD careers or specific careers if a subject matter expert is available;
- attending your school's career fair;
- coordinating student tours of NPPD facilities; and
- making career materials available to you
Additional Resources
If you would like more information on any of the opportunities we have to offer, contact Careers Outreach Specialist Kim Liebig.
Career Interest Assessment
With fun, interactive tools and informational resources, Nebraska Career Connections will help you learn about the careers you may be interested in, plan for education, and prepare for career success. Build a career around your unique interests and skills.
5–6th Graders: Explore the six career fields to discover the world of work.
7–8th Graders: Learn about the 16 Career Clusters, start a Personal Learning Plan, and find out your options after high school.
9–12th Graders: Research your career pathway options more in depth and start making college, financial aid, and scholarship decisions.
Postsecondary Students: Make sure you are on track with your plans. And don't forget to create a resume, practice interviewing skills, and look for job opportunities in Nebraska.
To log on to Nebraska Career Connections to take the Assessment you will need to contact your school counselor for a batch code.
Math
Agriculture
Advanced Manufacturing
Innovation / Entrepreneurship
Science
Science
Robotics
Public Power
Human Performance
Generation Strategies & Management
Environmental
Engineering
Domestic Energy & Research
Nuclear
Public Power
Sustainable Energy
Transmission & Distribution
System Controls
Engineering