Patent protection for inventions is a valuable component of business strategy for startups and established companies. This workshop is an overview of how patents work, and covers the basics of U.S. patent law, including inventorship, patentability, the patent application process, prosecution, litigation, and licensing. We will discuss what recent developments in patent law mean for inventors, and draw examples ranging from the computer software to the pharmaceutical industries. All members of the MIT community (including alumni) are welcome, especially students and post-docs in science, engineering, and business. Lunch refreshments will be served!