USPTO Patent Training Academy March 7, 2006

USPTO Patent Training Academy Why are we changing? –Yesterday and Today –Concerns –Advantages How will it look? –Structure –Content

USPTO Patent Training Academy SPEs recruited for their Art Unit New Hires trained via: –PEIT –Mostly hands-on –Intermittent formal training (IPP) Successful strategy –Manageable ratio of new examiner to experienced examiner

USPTO Patent Training Academy 2500 new Recruits since 2002 Training strained –SPEs and Primaries at capacity –Insufficient resources to answer new examiners’ questions timely Retention concerns

USPTO Patent Training Academy Integrated strategy/plan (1000 hires per year) –How to hire –How to train –How to retain

USPTO Patent Training Academy Considerations Given Examiner attributes Courses Assessments Length Retention initiatives Recruiting strategies Individual Development Plan (IDP )

USPTO Patent Training Academy Dedicated and comprehensive training Education and development recorded/assessed Retention components Plan

Attributes/Qualities Engaged in their job/role –History and importance of their job –Understand the Strategic Plan Professional demeanor –Motivated –Collegiate and open –Willingness to accept change Good mix of: –Technical skills –Legal knowledge –Written and oral communications –Social skills USPTO Patent Training Academy

Program Goals Encourage development and maintenance of working relationships among “classmates” Provide Individual Development Plans for new examiners USPTO Patent Training Academy

Program Features Large lectures Small “labs” of 16 examiners in similar technology –1-2 Trainers per lab Each topic will include: –Lecture –Lab –Practical application –Testing USPTO Patent Training Academy

Logistics Large incoming classes (approx. 128) 2006 start dates: –January 23 –Late May –June –September 18 FY06 Target: TCs 2100 and 2600 Spring/Summer FY06: TC 2800, 3600 and 3700 FY07: All new hires USPTO Patent Training Academy

Logistics 1-2 Trainers per “lab” –Trainer is a Temporary GS-15 –Vacancy opened 10/4; closes 10/25 1 Teaching Assistant per lab –GS-12 or higher who has passed certification exam –Career Development Detail not to exceed 120 days Adult Education Expertise Retention Expertise (in conjunction with Retention Council) USPTO Patent Training Academy

Curriculum Orientation Examination Foundation (Patent Examining 101) –Statutes –Technology Basics –AIS Basics –Communication Skills Group Examination of Live Cases –Intermediate Examination Topics (Patent Examining 201) USPTO Patent Training Academy

Curriculum Individual Dockets Assigned Advanced Examination Topics (Patent Examining 301) –After Final Practice –Evidence –Quality Topics Proficiency Exam/Graduation USPTO Patent Training Academy

March 7, 2006