Did you know you can practice patent law with or without a law degree?

Patent Pathways® is an equal opportunity initiative and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or any other protected class. We are dedicated to addressing barriers to equal opportunity in the patent through free, virtual education, practical exercises, and financial support. The goal is to provide each participant with the tools to take and pass the patent bar and begin their pathway into a career in patent law.

All patent bar expenses will be paid for each participant, and classes will occur in evenings to accommodate existing work and study schedules, made possible by the generosity of our program partners and sponsors.

We are currently accepting applicants for our June 2025 program with a Category A technical degree from an accredited college or university. See a full list of eligible degrees on page 3/4 HERE – if a Category A life or physical science degree, applicant must also have an advanced degree (i.e., MS, PhD, or JD).

Patent law is an aspect of intellectual property law and typically involves analyzing whether an invention qualifies for a patent, obtaining rights for patent protection through the patent application process, and enforcing patent rights against patent infringers.

1. You have a Category A technical degree from an accredited college or university. See a full list of eligible degrees on page 3/4 HERE – if a Category A life or physical science degree, applicant must also have an advanced degree (i.e., MS, PhD, or JD);
2. You reside in the U.S. and are eligible to sit for the U.S. Patent Bar but are not yet registered (see USPTO Eligibility Requirements here)**;
3. You do not currently work at a law firm doing patent work;
4. You are able to commit to the full program schedule.

**An applicant convicted of a felony, or a crime involving moral turpitude or breach of trust, is not eligible for registration or to apply for registration during the time of any sentence. See more here. 

NEXT SESSION: JUNE – DECEMBER 2025

Virtual Sessions: 1-4 hours per week (one to four days per week depending on the section of the program) over the course of approximately 6 months

Patent Bar Examination Preparation Independent Study: 20+ hours per week*

Patent Preparation and Patent Prosecution Assignments: 2+ hours during the week of the Patent Basics Bootcamp

*The program includes a 2 month time block for independent study that does not overlap with any sessions.

All classes will be held virtually and in the evenings, so that you can continue to work and/or study during the day and attend the program afterwards.