The Patent Pathways® program.
Did you know you can have a career in the patent field with or without a law degree? Free, virtual, evening classes, mentorship, and full support for the patent bar exam.
What is Patent Pathways®?
Patent Pathways® is dedicated to addressing barriers to equal opportunity in the patent field 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 are paid for each participant, and classes are held in the evenings to accommodate existing work and study schedules, made possible by the generosity of our program partners and sponsors.
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.
What is patent law?
Patent law involves analyzing whether an invention qualifies for a patent, obtaining patent protection through the patent application process, and enforcing patent rights.
Why join?
A free, flexible path into one of the most rewarding careers in STEM. Patent Pathways® pairs exclusive patent skills training and full patent bar support with ongoing mentorship, networking, and job matching, so you’re not just ready for the exam, you’re ready for the job.
Program details
Participants choose one of two options.
Flexible, Accelerated Independent Study
This fast-track pathway for the Patent Bar Exam requires a 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.
Patent bar exam deadline: May 31, 2027
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 must take the exam within 6 months of the start date.
Patent bar exam deadline: August 31, 2027
Time commitment
*The program includes a two-month block for independent study that does not overlap with any sessions. All classes are held virtually and in the evenings, so you can continue to work or study during the day.
Cost: thanks to the generosity of our program sponsors, Patent Pathways® is 100% free to participants.
Sample 2027 agenda
See the full schedule of sessions, bootcamps, independent study, and the Career Readiness Series, along with the patent bar exam deadlines for each option.
Am I eligible?
- A Category A engineering, computer science, or physics degree from a U.S. college or university (or a U.S. equivalency evaluation). See the full list of eligible degrees in the USPTO General Requirements Bulletin.
- A PhD, if your degree is in a life science.
- U.S. citizen, or U.S. permanent resident as of your application date.
- Eligible to sit for the patent bar, but not yet passed it or registered with the USPTO.
- Not working full-time at a law firm.
- 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 USPTO registration or to apply for registration during the time of any sentence. See the USPTO General Requirements Bulletin.
Now accepting applications.
Applications for the February to July 2027 session are open.
Questions? Email info@patentpathways.org and a committee member will be happy to help.