Patent Bar Training
The patent bar (also called the patent bar exam or registration exam) is an examination given by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) as part of the process to become a registered attorney or agent. The patent bar is designed to test your knowledge of patent laws and rules. Because of the detailed nature of patent laws and rules, training for the patent bar exam is essential.
Other People Are Reading
-
The Patent Bar Exam
-
According to the General Requirements Bulletin from the PTO, the patent bar exam is a 100-question multiple choice test given in two three-hour sessions. The PTO offers computer-based and paper-based testing options. The patent bar covers patent laws, rules and PTO procedures. The patent laws can be found at Title 35 of the United States Code (USC). The rules can be found at Title 37 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the PTO procedures can be found in the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP). The MPEP includes sections containing the laws and rules and can be found online at the USPTO.gov website.
Classroom Training
-
Classroom training for the patent bar offers the advantages of in-person instruction, such as the ability to interact directly with instructors to ask questions and hear others' questions being answered. BAR/BRI and PRG offer popular classroom training programs.
-
Online Training
-
Online training for the patent bar offers flexibility and the opportunity to proceed through materials at your own pace. If you'll have computer access when you will be studying, then online training may be a good option. Omniprep offers an online patent bar training program.
Home Study Courses
-
Home study courses offer some of the same benefits as online, such as schedule flexibility and proceeding at your own pace. However, self-study courses usually have printed materials and lectures on CD or DVD. With self-study training you can make use of long commutes or other circumstances where a computer may not be available. Patbar.com has offered a self-study courses for a number of years. Aspen publishes Jim Longacre's books on training for the patent bar. PRG also offers a home study program.
Training Materials Available from the PTO
-
For those who learn best on their own and are disciplined enough to study without a schedule or structure, free training materials, such as past exams, can be downloaded from the PTO and used to study for the patent bar. Past exams are useful for understanding the types of questions that may appear on the exam and how the PTO words its exam questions. However, you should be aware that patent laws and rules change from time to time and past exam questions and answers may not reflect the current state of the laws and rules.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit girl with books image by Snezana Skundric from Fotolia.com
