Applications are now being considered for our 2026 programs.

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.

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Name *

First

Last

Email *

Confirm Email *

Location of Primary Residence *

City, State

Phone Number *

Technical Degree *Aeronautical EngineeringAerospace EngineeringBiochemistry*BioengineeringBiology*Biological Science*Biomedical EngineeringBiophysics*Botany*Ceramic EngineeringChemical EngineeringCivil EngineeringComputer EngineeringComputer ScienceElectrical EngineeringElectrochemical EngineeringElectronics EngineeringElectronics TechnologyEngineering PhysicsFood Technology*General ChemistryGeneral EngineeringGenetics*Geological EngineeringIndustrial EngineeringMarine Technology*Materials EngineeringMaterials ScienceMechanical EngineeringMetallurgical EngineeringMicrobiology*Mining EngineeringMolecular Biology*Neuroscience*Nuclear EngineeringOrganic Chemistry*Petroleum EngineeringPharmacology*PhysicsTextile Technology

*Please note a PhD is needed for these degrees

Year of Graduation for Technical Degree *--- Select Choice ---202520242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990198919881987198619851984198319821981198019791978197719761975

Do you have a law degree? *

• Yes
• No
• In Progress

Not required for participation

Year (or Expected Year) of J.D. *

Are you currently registered to practice before the USPTO? *

• Yes
• No
• In Progress

Candidates must be eligible to practice before the USPTO, but not yet registered to participate.

Do you currently work at a law firm, specifically doing patent work? *

• Yes, full-time
• Yes, part-time or internship
• No

Country of Citizenship *

• U.S.
• Other - Permanent Resident Alien (U.S.) as of the date you submit this application

Candidates must be eligible to practice before the USPTO to participate.

How did you hear about Patent Pathways®? *

Patent Pathways® is dedicated to addressing barriers to equal opportunity in the patent bar. Could you detail any hardships or barriers you've encountered where a program like Patent Pathways® might be beneficial to you? *

Do you have a need for any Special Accommodations (ADA)? *

• Yes
• No

If you require any Special Accommodations, a member of our team will follow up in order to best meet your needs.

Please confirm which rotation you are registering for. *

• January to May 2026

Please list three hobbies or interests you have outside of work and school: *

Please upload your resumé and cover letter below. *

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 3 files.

Please upload your transcript(s) below. *

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 5 files.

Please include both undergraduate and graduate/law school transcripts.

Please upload a brief video explaining why you should be chosen to participate in Patent Pathways®. (Optional)

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 3 files.

Please upload in .mp4 or .mov format. Video does not need to be longer than 2 minutes.

Alternatively, you can provide a link to your video here.

(Google Drive, DropBox, etc.)

We record each session for participants to refer to and sometimes take photos for social media. Do we have your permission to post a photo with your likeness to our channels? *

• Yes
• No

Recordings and photos will only be used in relation to Patent Pathways® and not for any other purposes.

Do you authorize us to conduct a background check? *

• Yes
• No

Background checks are used for potential employment purposes.

Are you interested in being considered for a position at a law firm? *

• Yes
• No

Does Patent Pathways® and its representatives have the permission/authorization to share your resume, transcripts, and cover letter with law firms or corporations? *

• Yes
• No

Submit

Application review and interview processes are ongoing from the time the application window opens. Please check back soon for updates.
Please contact info@patentpathways.org for any questions.

• 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.

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 5 months

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

Patent Preparation and Patent Prosecution Assignments: ~5 hours per week depending on the assignment

*Please note that patent bar examination preparation does not overlap with other sections of the program.

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.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, sponsors, and law firm partners, Patent Pathways® is always 100% free to program participants.

Don’t meet the Patent Pathways® requirements? Harrity offers several free patent resources and programs that support equal opportunity!