LEAP events

Legal Experience and Advancement Program (LEAP) events are a great way to learn about the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). The LEAP program provides training and oral advocacy opportunities for less experienced advocates to gain practical experience in proceedings before the Board.

Learn about future events and peruse materials from past sessions below.

Upcoming events

Sep 10, 2021 - Virtual

LEAP AIA trials mock argument

Join the USPTO's Legal Experience and Advancement Program (LEAP) and the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) for an America Invents Act (AIA) trials mock argument. The session offers an opportunity for practitioners to hone their oral argument skills by presenting an AIA trials...

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Past events

Apr 5, 2021 - Virtual

The “Perfect” Oral Argument

If you are a new patent practitioner, don’t miss this chance to witness “The ‘Perfect’ Oral Argument” before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Join us as Todd R. Walters (Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney) presents an ex parte appeal before a panel of judges followed by a panel discussion. Join...

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Mar 19, 2021 - Virtual

How to prepare for a PTAB oral argument

A presentation with panelists W. Karl Renner of Fish & Richardson and Erin M. Dunston of Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel LLP.

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Oct 9, 2020

Mock argument practicum

If you are a new patent practitioner, don’t miss this chance to witness “The ‘Perfect’ Oral Argument” before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Join us as Deputy Director Laura Peters presents along with 30 administrative patent judges. Join the free online training via Webex. A question and...

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Aug 7, 2020

Mock argument practicum

If you are a new patent practitioner, don’t miss this chance to witness “The ‘Perfect’ Oral Argument” before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Join us as Director Andrei Iancu, Chief Judge Scott Boalick, Deputy Chief Judge Jacqueline Bonilla, and 30 administrative patent judges offer a free...

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Jun 25, 2020 - Virtual

Learn to argue before PTAB

A presentation on use of demonstratives, effective use of hearing time, decorum, and the logistics of an oral hearing.

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May 14, 2020 - Virtual

Learn to argue before PTAB

A webinar with Deputy Chief Judge Jackie Bonilla, Vice Chief Judge Janet Gongola, Lead Judge Stacey White, and Judges Amanda Wieker and Christa Zado on use of demonstratives, effective use of hearing time, decorum, and the logistics of an oral hearing.

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