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ARTICLE · 29 SEPTEMBER 2021

UPSTO Revises Patent Bar Qualifications

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The USPTO has announced changes to the "technical and scientific qualifications that may typically make applicants eligible" to take the patent bar exam.

United StatesIntellectual Property
Courtenay Brinckerhoff
Courtenay Brinckerhoff
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The USPTO has announced changes to the “technical and scientific qualifications that may typically make applicants eligible” to take the patent bar exam. The changes are being implemented after consideration of public comments submitted in response to a March 23, 2021 notice discussed in this article. While not directly addressing the under-representation of diverse practitioners in the patent bar, the additional pathways to qualification may make it easier for more to qualify.

The Changes To Patent Bar Eligibility

As set forth in the September 21, 2021 Notice, the USPTO has made three categories of changes to the “technical and scientific qualifications” to take the patent bar exam:

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