WHAT IT IS

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office will begin a pilot Law School Clinical Certification Program. This program will allow law students to practice Intellectual Property Law before the agency under the strict guidance of a Law School Clinical Faculty Supervisor. The pilot will consist of both a patent program and a trademark program. 

HOW TO APPLY

A limited number of law schools will be selected for the pilot program.  In order to be considered, law schools are asked to apply by submitting the required information in the Law School Clinical Certification Pilot Program Package.  Applications from law schools to participate in the pilot Law School Clinical Certification Program are now being accepted on a rolling basis. The deadline for law schools to apply for participation in the pilot program is Friday, May 30, 2008.  Announcement of schools accepted into the program will be Wednesday July 9, 2008

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS

After each school has been notified of their acceptance into the pilot program, they will be asked to submit the applications of the participating students for review by the Director of Enrollment and Discipline. The OED Director will grant approval for limited recognition of the Law Student Attorneys after finding each student qualified. 

All students for the patent and the trademark programs must

• have the requisite legal qualifications, and
• be of good moral character and reputation. 

To qualify to practice in the patent program each student must also qualify by having the

• required scientific and technical qualifications for registration. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Questions regarding the pilot program, requirements, or the application may be directed to OED:

Melinda DeAtley
Staff Attorney, OED
E-mail: Melinda.DeAtley@uspto.gov
Phone: 571-272-4097