October 09, 1997
97-19

MEDIA ADVISORY 97-19

Mind Matters '97 Exhibit To Highlight Latest American Technology

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ARLINGTON, VA. Over 100 patents representing the latest American innovations--Film-free x-rays, 3-D computer images, new lights and plastics, the latest digital technology, and the newest Barbie doll--will be on display at a special exhibition October 17-19, sponsored by the Commerce Department's U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Last year, the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) issued over 120,000 patents. The United States Copyright Office and Intellectual Property Owners (IPO) are joining the PTO in sponsoring Mind Matters '97. WGMS Radio's morning show host, Dennis Owens, will emcee the opening ceremony at 12 noon on Friday. IPO, which represents corporate patent interests, selected the exhibitors.

The weekend long event will also feature exhibits on copyrights and trademarks. Famous trademark characters like the Pink Panther, Smokey the Bear and the Energizer Bunny will appear throughout the weekend event which runs noon to 6 on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. Members of the press are invited to a reception and special preview of the exhibition on Thursday, October 16 from 5 to 7 p.m.

According to Bruce A. Lehman, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, Mind Matters 97 is "designed to give people of all ages a better understanding and appreciation of the vital role intellectual property plays in our economy and culture. The products of the human mind are the only inexhaustible resource we have. Our society will flourish in the 21st century only if we continue to provide strong protection for the products, trademarks and creative works like those on display October 17-19."

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