About the Event

Plant innovation is at the core of UCR’s research excellence, and protecting those discoveries is essential for advancing agriculture and creating real-world impact. This workshop is designed to help researchers, breeders, and innovators understand the legal and practical steps to secure intellectual property rights for new plant varieties.

This is an in-person presentation. If you are unable to join, please reach out to Joyce Patrona at joyce.patrona@ucr.edu for options.

What You’ll Learn

Expert speakers Dr. Travis W. Bliss (Partner) and Dr. Stephany G. Small (Patent Agent) from Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel LLP will share clear, actionable guidance on:

• Crafting a Complete Invention Disclosure – What information makes an invention disclosure “enabled” and ready for filing.

• Navigating Plant IP Protections – Key differences between U.S. Plant Patents, USDA Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Certificates, and Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR).

• Understanding Data & Form Requirements – What data you’ll need, how much is sufficient, and the forms required to proceed.

• Deposits & Compliance – When seed or tissue culture deposits are required and how to prepare them.

• Tailored Strategies for UCR Crops – Practical insights focused on citrus, avocado, turfgrass, cowpea, and pomegranate.

About the Speakers

Dr. Travis W. Bliss brings a comprehensive approach to intellectual property law, helping clients from strategy development through licensing and litigation. His expertise spans agriculture, horticulture, genetics, and plant sciences.

Dr. Stephany G. Small specializes in securing patents in life sciences, with extensive experience in plant varieties and biotechnology. She has guided clients through both U.S. and international patent processes, ensuring robust protection for their innovations.

Why Attend?

This is a unique opportunity to learn directly from seasoned IP experts who understand both the science and the law. Attendees will leave with practical tools to protect their research, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize the commercial value of their discoveries.

Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Location: University of California, Riverside, Campbell Hall, Room 104
Hosted by: Office of Technology Partnerships, Research and Economic Development