Welcome to the first edition of the New Product Development Center Newsletter! Included in this newsletter, you will find articles about the NPDC, its programs, and other topics of interest to small Oklahoma manufacturers.

The mission of the NPDC is to link the innovative ideas and capabilities of small manufacturers with the knowledge and technical expertise of land grant university faculty. This union encourages the development and commercialization of economically competitive new products that strengthen economies; creating new and enhanced jobs, capital investment and an increased tax base.

We appreciate your continued support of the NPDC and sincerely hope you find this newsletter educational.

Thank you,

Dr. Larry Hoberock & Dr. Ron Elliott, co-directors

Topics included in this NPDC Newsletter:

Introduction to the New Product Development Center
Survival in today’s market requires new product development, strategic decision-making, and creative marketing tactics. Working with the New Product Development Center, small manufacturers are able to see their innovative ideas come to life.

Perspective - by Becca Lasich, NPDC Marketing Communications Intern
I applied for the NPDC Marketing Communications Internship because this internship looked different to me. I was going to be working with real people who were successful business owners and managers. Most importantly, I would use all the skills I had learned in my major; writing, photography, layout and design, and web design.

Registering a Trademark or Patent
Before registering a trademark or patent, whether at the state or national level, a search for existing trademarks and patents must be completed.  Manfacturers will need to follow these steps to complete their registration.

Calendar - See upcoming manufacturing events

NPDC in the News:

Meeting the Needs of Small Manufacturers - STATE Magazine, Winter 2006
Since opening in 2002, OSU's New Product Development Center has already garnered two prestigious awards for it success with small- and medium-sized manufactureers in Oklahoma.

NPDC Awarded for Exceptional Work
The New Product Development Center at Oklahoma State University was awarded the University Economic Development Association’s Award for Excellence in Technology Commercialization at the UEDA annual conference on Nov. 15, 2005 in Monterey, Calif.