New Patent Bar Examination
In order to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office in the capacity of an attorney, one must pass the registration examination often called the patent bar.
Once the exam is passed, the individual is known as a patent attorney or patent agent. However, there are differences between a patent attorney and a patent agent.
A patent attorney passes the exam and is a member of the bar of one state in the US. A patent agent passes the exam but is not a member of the bar in any particular state.
The good news for those wanting to become a patent agent is that you do not have to hold a law degree. As long as you satisfy the requirements to sit for the patent bar exam you can take the bar exam.
The way to qualify for the bar exam is that you must have a technical background shown by a college degree or even work in the course. The degrees that are considered qualifying by the United States Patent and Trademark Office include:
Aeronautical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biology Pharmacology, Botany, Computer Science, Ceramic Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering, Electronics Technology, Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering, Food Technology, General Engineering, General Chemistry, Geological Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Marine Technology, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Nuclear Engineering, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Petroleum Engineering, and Textile Technology.
Why Take the Exam?
The patent profession bridges the gap between technology and law. It's a license! That alone is something.
Even though a person can prepare or analyze any patent applications without the license, it is not possible to list their name on the patent application as an agent/attorney if they haven't taken the exam.
One reason to take the US patent bar is having to deal with many application or litigation cases in the US. There would be some positive impacts to a person's career if they passed the US patent bar exam if their job duty encompassed US patent cases. Another fact is that employers could also see that the person had extra qualifications that other potential employees might not have.
How to Prepare for the Exam
Start by purchasing a good book on the subject and studying it. It is possible to purchase an online patent bar preparation course, such as "Omni Prep & Ultimate patent bar study" and study it for two months or so.
There are plentiful other study materials besides Omni, for instance PLI or Bulls Eye. Also, USPTO provides test materials on their website.
Another great way of studying is by practicing taking old exams. Purchase an online course called "Patbar." This contains a summary of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. Make your own notes when reading these materials. This enhances memory of important content. In addition to these strategies, you can try surfing web forums where many people share their own experiences of prepping for and taking the exam.
Mostly, it is common sense combined with getting some great ideas on what to do. You could even enlist the aid of the Law of Attraction to bring you more ways of preparing for the exam. Every little thing extra can only help you achieve success!
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