Entrepreneurs, artists and inventors who want to learn more about protecting rights to their ideas and work are encouraged to take advantage of a seminar designed to introduce the basics of intellectual property law.The program, presented by Widener Law with support from DuPont, is also intended to benefit attorneys with backgrounds outside intellectual property law. It presents an opportunity for the small business community to learn strategies for success that can strengthen the ability to create jobs and grow in a difficult economy. The program is additionally designed to encourage pro bono assistance from seasoned intellectual property professionals to support these innovators.“Introduction to Intellectual Property Law” will be held Thursday, April 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom in the Main Law Building at 4601 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Del. The event will feature a dozen speakers on the ideas of protecting, commercializing and funding intellectual property. The presenter lineup includes representatives from the Office of Innovation Development at the U.S. Patent &amp; Trademark Office, the Small Business Administration, the Delaware State Treasurer’s Office, DuPont and more. A brochure is available here.“DuPont is pleased to participate in this program because we believe a strong and robust patent estate is a cornerstone to innovation and job creation,” said P. Michael Walker, vice president, assistant general counsel and chief intellectual property counsel at DuPont. “In 2011, DuPont had a record-breaking year with 910 new U.S. patents granted. The patents we receive are an important tool in our efforts to deliver science that addresses global challenges such as food, energy and protection, and help us more quickly convert our almost $2 billion per year investment in research and development into innovations we can bring to market.”Walker will speak at the conference. “Widener University is very excited about this opportunity to partner with DuPont on such a relevant program in today's economy,” Widener Associate Professor Sonia Baldia said. “Entrepreneurship and innovation are core drivers of the 21st century global market, and knowing how to recognize, protect, and manage intellectual property rights has never been more critical to success in a competitive environment, where so much depends on fresh, creative ideas, proprietary information and know-how.  We believe that our program will provide valuable, practical insight to our attendees in how to manage their intellectual capital.”Delaware and Pennsylvania attorneys who attend will be eligible for five continuing legal education credits. The cost to attend for credit is $75. The program is free for small- and medium-sized businesses, students and individuals who are not seeking continuing legal education credits. To register, contact Constance Sweeney at 302.477.2177 or cmsweeney@widener.edu.