Join the USPTO for the Stakeholder Training on Examination Practice and Procedure (STEPP) virtual agent-attorney four-day course from noon to 4:15 p.m. ET from Monday, March 23, through Thursday, March 26. It will focus on how examiners review patent applications according to the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP).
If you want to attend, you must submit an interest form. You must also meet certain criteria, one being that you are a patent agent or attorney licensed and registered to practice before the USPTO.
In addition, 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 has four sessions:
- Day one focuses on the role of an examiner and steps they take when reading an application for the first time.
- Day two uses the information gathered during day one to plan and conduct a search, emphasizing relevant legal statutes.
- Day three builds on day two in applying relevant statutes to the mapping of prior art to the sample claims.
- Day four finishes discussing the mapping of art to claims, then focuses on writing an office action.
Interest forms will be considered until Friday, March 20, or capacity is reached. If your request to participate in STEPP is approved, you will be emailed on how to complete registration. Continuing legal education (CLE) credit will not be offered.
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.