Published on: 04/29/2024 12:00 PM
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Patent agents and attorneys: Learn to think like a patent examiner
 Join the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the Stakeholder Training on Examination Practice and Procedure (STEPP) virtual agent-attorney four-day course from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. ET, Tuesday, May 14, through Friday, May 17.
This course is open to USPTO-registered patent attorneys and agents and will focus on how examiners review patent applications according to the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP).
Attendees are expected to complete pre-activity homework. These include several computer-based training (CBT) modules and reading resource materials. Similar to the training of new USPTO examiners, a sample application will be provided as the focus of exercises during each module. The training has four separate modules that build upon each other:
- Day 1 focuses on the role of examiners and the steps they take when reading an application for the first time.
- Day 2 uses the information gathered during Day 1 to plan and conduct a search and emphasizes statutes 35 U.S.C. §§ 101 and 112.
- Day 3 builds on Day 2 in mapping prior art claims using 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 and 103.
- Day 4 finishes the mapping art claim discussion and focuses on writing an examiner’s office action.
Interest forms are accepted until Tuesday, May 7, or until full. Registrants must meet certain criteria to be accepted to attend. For the STEPP detailed course outline, please view the agent/attorney 4-day course general schedule.
The USPTO is applying for continuing legal education (CLE) credit in Virginia for this course. For more information, visit the STEPP information page or email STEPP@uspto.gov.
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