Patent Law

USPTO Seeks Volunteers to Test Its Online Continuing Education System

By mike

© 2008, Michael E. Kondoudis

The USPTO has developed a system to administer continuing legal education to practitioners.  This system, entitled the “Continuing Education for Practitioners” or (“CEP”) system, is intended to “increase efficiency, reduce pendency, and improve quality in the patent process.”  The USPTO states that the CEP system is “built on the recognition that a smoothly operating patent system requires well-qualified USPTO personnel working hand-in-hand with up-to-date patent practitioners.”

The USPTO is currently asking for volunteers to participate in a pilot test of an on-line system to administer the CEP system.   Up to 1000 registered practitioners are sought to help evaluate the system and provide feedback concerning the system?s ease of use and the usefulness of the educational materials.   Importantly, participants in the pilot program will be deemed to have satisfied the first year?s requirement for CEP at such time as the USPTO makes CEP a requirement.  Follow this link more information about the CEP system. 

I have volunteered to participate in the pilot testing.  If I am selected to participate, I will report on the system in a follow up post.

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Full post as published by Patentablydefined.com on August 25, 2008 (boomark / email).