Tips from PLI’s Program on the Patent Bar

In September, Mark Dighton from Practising Law Insitute came to GGU to speak about the patent bar exam. Here are some quick tips. For more information, the program was taped and may be checked out for viewing at LCS.

1. Anytime. Anywhere. One may take the exam at anytime and at any of the 400 test sites in the US. Gone are the days of having to sit for the exam in April and October. You may schedule your test once the Patent Office sends you the letter stating your eligibility.
2. Registration Exam. We refer to the patent bar exam, but the official name is the “registration exam for patent agents and patent attorneys.”
3. 90 day window. You have a 90 day window to take the exam once you receive the “ok, you’re good to go” letter from the Patent Office on your application to register.
4. 100 questions in 6 hours. The exam schedule is 50 questions in the morning and 50 questions in the afternoon. To pass, you must answer 70% of 90 questions correctly. There are always 10 beta questions.
5. 20 hours a week. The recommended study time is 150-200 hours over a two months period. Consider 20 hours a week. You could take the bar exam over the summer while working part-time. It could be a nice addition to your resume for your second or third year.
6. Costs. The exam costs about $400, not including a preparation course.