Sponsored by Qualcomm
Invent. Protect. Lead.
Driving Innovation with IP
Tuesday, May 12th, 2026
Houston City College - West Houston Institute
2811 Hayes Rd, Auditorium
Houston, TX 77082
8:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.
*Lunch will be provided - please register to reserve your lunch.
This interactive half-day program introduces high school students to the world of innovation, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property. Students will learn how ideas can become protected inventions through a keynote session, “What is Patentable?” by Carlyn Burton, U.S. Patent Attorney and Attorney at Law, followed by rotating small-group discussions with patent attorneys and industry experts covering patents, copyrights, trademarks, and strategies for growing and marketing a business.
Designed to be hands-on and conversational, the program gives students the opportunity to ask questions, explore career pathways, and connect directly with professionals.
The experience concludes with a networking lunch featuring patent attorneys and HCC graduates who have successfully filed provisional patents.
Keynote: What is Patentable?
Keynote Speaker: Carlyn Burton, U.S. Patent Attorney and Attorney at Law, Osha Bergman Watanabe & Burton
For questions about this event, please contact Carola Medina, carola.medina@hccs.edu.
Program
Small group discussions with intellectual property attorneys/experts (each is 45 min & students rotate to each topic, creating a more intimate session for dialogue/discussion)
Session 2 - 10:45 AM
Session 3 - 11:30 A.M.
Event Concludes
Speakers
Sponsors
A special thank you to Qualcomm for their generous support in making this event possible. Their commitment to innovation and intellectual property protection is helping to create a stronger, more secure future for creators and businesses alike. We are grateful for their partnership and support!
