By Godson Umejiego, Correspondent USA
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is extending the submission deadline for expanding its Law School Clinic Certification Programme by admitting additional schools into the programme. Founded in 2008, the program currently includes 60 law school clinics and offers patent and trademark applicants access to pro bono services. It also gives law students, under the supervision of a faculty clinic supervisor, experience in practicing intellectual property law before the USPTO.
The programme is administered by the USPTO’s Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED). Participating law school clinics must maintain the requirements for USPTO certification in order for students to practice before the agency.
“The USPTO is committed to fostering a strong and vital patent system,” said performing the functions and duties of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, Drew Hirshfeld. “The development of legal skills through practical experience allows advocates to effectively support and represent their clients’ interests.”
Submissions from interested law school clinical programs will be accepted on a rolling basis through December 31, 2022. Details of the programme expansion and application materials are available on the Law School Clinic Certification Programme page of the USPTO website.
