If you are an inventor, it helps to think like a USPTO patent examiner. Get a better understanding of how examiners make decisions by attending the Stakeholder Training on Examination Practice and Procedure (STEPP) virtual course from Monday, August 3, through Thursday, August 6, from noon to 4:15 p.m. ET each day.
To attend, you must submit an interest form.
You are expected to complete pre-course homework, including reviewing several computer-based training modules and reading resource materials. Similar to the training of new USPTO examiners, all sessions will focus on a sample patent application.
This STEPP course will cover how examiners review patent applications according to the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP):
- Day one focuses on the role of an examiner and the steps an examiner takes when reading an application for the first time.
- Day two uses the details covered during day one to plan and conduct a search, with an emphasis on the relevant legal information.
- Day three uses the details covered during day two to map prior art to claims using the relevant legal information.
- Day four finishes discussing the mapping of art to claims and focuses on how examiners write their office actions.
Interest forms will be considered until Monday, July 27, or until full capacity is reached. If your request to participate in STEPP is approved, you will be emailed on how to complete registration.
A detailed course schedule is available. Visit the STEPP webpage or email STEPP@uspto.gov for more information.
Accessibility accommodation
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please submit your request to the contact information listed above.