2010 Loyola Patent Law Interview Program

This nationwide interview program organized by Loyola University Chicago School of Law links patent law employers with JD and LLM students seeking summer and entry-level patent law positions in 2010. Last year more than 90 employers participated in this program. Current first-year law students with an interest in patent law are strongly encouraged to participate in the program. GGU will sponsor the registration fees for a limited number of students. In order to qualify, please read the information available at the program’s website and call the LCS office to make an appointment to meet with Deepa Menon or Susanne Aronowitz ASAP as appointments are filling fast! GGU students who wish to participate MUST meet with LCS before registering. The job fair will take place in Chicago on July 29-30.

Frequently Asked Questions about the
Loyola Patent Law Interview Program
I just graduated from law school or will graduate from law school this year – am I eligible?
The Loyola Patent Law Interview Program accepts registrations from:
• JD students graduating in May/June 2011
• JD students graduating in May/June 2012
• JD students graduating in December 2010/January 2011
• JD students graduating in December 2011/January 2012
• Students in Intellectual Property LLM programs with anticipated graduation dates in 2011 and 2012
In short, students who will graduate before July 2010 and students who anticipate graduating after May/June 2012 are NOT eligible for the 2010 Patent Law Interview Program.

I’m interested in IP, but not in patent law. Is this program for me?
No. The employers who participate are seeking students interested specifically in patent law.

I do not have a science background. Does this mean that I can not participate?
No! Roughly speaking, a science background is required to take the patent bar. A patent bar number is necessary to prosecute patents. Prosecuting a patent describes the process of writing up a patent application and presenting it to the US Patent and Trademark Office and responding to its comments, etc. In some cases, scientific coursework can substitute for a science degree. Please read this document carefully to determine whether you qualify to take the patent bar.

Another aspect of patent law is patent litigation. This describes the process of litigating a patent – either claiming that someone is infringing a patent, or defending against that claim. Patent litigation work does not require a patent bar number, and thus does not require a science background/degree. However, some employers do prefer to hire patent litigators with science backgrounds.

What is the process after student registration? When do I select employers?
On April 19, students will receive passwords to the dedicated Patent Program Symplicity site, along with bidding instructions. Students can then upload their resumes and “bid” on participating employers starting on April 20. Student bidding ends May 6.

Employers will review the resumes submitted to them and select which students they would like to interview. They will also select alternate students (in case there are cancellations or no-shows.)

After employers have selected the students they wish to interview, Symplicity generates interview schedules. Students can access their interview schedules starting on June 21. Students may cancel interviews from June 21 through June 23. On June 25, final interview schedules are available on Symplicity.

When is the program held?
The program is held on Thursday, July 29 and Friday, July 30 in Chicago

What if I receive an interview but do not want to travel to Chicago?
The employers plan to travel to Chicago and interview students there. If you receive an interview but are unable or unwilling to travel to Chicago, please cancel your interview and contact the employer directly.

Does Golden Gate cover the cost of airfare and hotel for the program?
No. Students are responsible for the cost of airfare and hotel. Loyola Law School has arranged some discounted rates at nearby hotels, but these may sell out quickly. Remember that interview schedules are subject to change until June 25. Therefore, students are advised to wait until that date before making airline reservations.

Does LCS know anyone who has participated in this program? I’d like to talk to someone about what to expect.
Yes! Deepa Menon, a career counselor at LCS, participated in the Loyola Patent Law Interview Program and would be happy to discuss the process with you.

UPDATE: Click here to view the technical backgrounds most requested by employers at this program.
 

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.