National Patent Application Drafting Competition

Logo for the 2027 National Patent Application Drafting Competition consisting of lightbulb with a fountain pen tip as the bulb’s filament

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) started the National Patent Application Drafting Competition in 2015 to introduce law students and students studying patent law to issues arising in U.S. patent law, and it has since evolved into a national law school competition. The competition gives law students an opportunity to develop patent skills by applying legal principles to a hypothetical invention scenario.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) invites law students and students studying patent law to participate in the 2027 National Patent Application Drafting Competition. The competition gives law students, as well as students studying patent law, an opportunity to develop patent skills by applying legal principles to a hypothetical invention scenario.

Competition process

Student teams will receive hypothetical invention statements for which they will search the prior art, prepare a specification, draft claims, and present their reasoning for patentability before a panel of judges comprised of patent examiners, practitioners, and high-profile guest judges.

The invention statement will be released to the competing teams after registration closes. The virtual regional rounds will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2027, and include up to 15 teams. The winner from each regional round will be invited to compete in the National Finals held on Friday, April 16, 2027, before a panel of senior USPTO officials and other esteemed judges.

Registration process

Registration will open from August 24, 2026, to November 13, 2026. There will be a short virtual introduction session on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET. To begin team registration, the first member to create their profile on the competition site will receive a link to be shared with their remaining team members. Upon receiving the team link, each member will then complete a profile. Once all members of the team have completed their profiles, team registration will be complete.

Looking to join but don't have a coach? Students who are unable to identify a coach should contact the organizing committee, who will assist the team in finding a suitable coach. If necessary, the requirement that the coach be affiliated with the team members’ law school will be waived. Email requests as soon as practicable and no later than the registration closing date to NPADC@uspto.gov. 

Competition and registration information

See all competition information and register.

View the latest webinar from last year's competition.

Direct any questions regarding the competition process to the organizing committee at NPADC@uspto.gov.

Past events

Review previous NPADC content.

 

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