Participant Requirements

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 field through free, virtual education, practical exercises, and financial support. Because the goal of the program is to ultimately register participants with the patent bar, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements as outlined by the USPTO and our program capacity:

• You have a Category A engineering, computer science, or physics degree from an accredited college or university. See a full list of eligible degrees on page 3/4 HERE. Please note we require a PhD for life science and certain physical science/technology degrees at this time.
• 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)**;
• You do not currently work at a law firm doing patent work;
• 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 LAUNCHES JANUARY 2026

Option 1: Flexible, Accelerated Independent Study
This fast-track pathway for the Patent Bar Exam requires minimum of 20 hours per week of independent study, which begins at the start of the program. It includes access to PLI instructors and Patent Pathways facilitators for support. Exam preparation bootcamps are optional. Participants should take the exam within 3 months from the start date.

Option 2: Patent Bar Exam Prioritization
This instructor-led program focuses on Patent Bar Exam preparation, requiring full participation in all sessions. It covers Patent Basics, Career Readiness, Mindset for Success, and Patent Bar Examination Preparation Bootcamps, using PLI Post Course exams for review. Participants are recommended to take the exam within 6 months from the start date.

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.