Advice from PRG Director Brad Buehler: “Help! How do I incorporate the exam changes into my study plan?”
We’ve looked at how the America Invents Act (AIA) may affect the Patent Bar Exam, and now there have been some new developments on that subject. The USPTO recently updated the source material for the registration examination. The following source materials have been added to the examination:
- Changes To Implement the Prioritized Examination Track (Track I) of the Enhanced Examination Timing Control Procedures Under the Leahy- Smith America Invents Act (September 23, 2011)
- Revision of Standard for Granting an Inter Partes Reexamination Request (September 23, 2011)
- Rules of Practice before the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences in Ex Parte Appeals (November 22, 2011)
PRG has already updated our course materials and provided specific updates to individuals who have attended our course in the past year. However, the question remains about how best to integrate these new materials into your studies in the easiest way possible.
The best strategy for your exam preparation and on exam day is to be aware of these three topics (Prioritized Examination, Change of Standard for Inter Partes Reexamination, and Appeals Practice). If a question pertains to any of these three topics, read the question carefully, ascertain what the question is asking and answer based on the supplemental examination source material. The supplemental examination source material will be made available to you in the same manner the MPEP is made available to you.
It is also important to read through the documentation provided by the USPTO, so you have a clear understanding of what this new material covers. Outline it. Make notes. Study it. You should be familiar with these three topics so that they cause the proverbial light bulb to light up when you are presented with a relevant question.
Remember, this material will be available to you during the examination so that you can refer to it. However, your best strategy is to be familiar with the material so you won’t have to rely on referring to it during the exam.
Good luck!
