Applications are now closed for the program beginning in June 2025 as we are at program capacity. Please check back for information regarding 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. 

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.

1. 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 are at capacity for life science and certain physical science/technology degrees at this time.
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. 

Option 1: Flexible, Accelerated Independent Study
This fast-track pathway for the Patent Bar Exam requires over 20 hours per week of independent study. It includes access to PLI instructors and Patent Pathways facilitators for support. Exam preparation bootcamps are optional. Participants are recommended to take the exam within 3-6 months from the start date.

Option 2: Patent Bar Exam Prioritization
This 6-month program focuses on Patent Bar Exam preparation, recommending 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.

Option 3: Employment Experience Prioritization
Spanning 18 months, this option prioritizes real-world patent field experience before taking the Patent Bar Exam. Participants connect with potential employers via the Patent Pathways platform. Participants are recommended to take the exam within 18 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.