Contact us!
For additional information on print and electronic resources available to you and the information on this Guide, please contact a librarian at LawRef@wlu.edu.
For additional information on W&L bar courses, the bar exam components, studying assistance and tips, creating a bar exam study schedule, etc., please contact Prof. Reid Flinn at FlinnCR@wlu.edu.
For questions regarding the bar exam application process or materials, please contact Dean Trenya Mason at MasonT@wlu.edu.
Looking for a Notary?
In the Law School:
Sue Coffey, Lewis Hall 233A (540-458-8981 or CoffeyS@wlu.edu)
Brianne Kleinert, Lewis Hall 245 (540-458-8567 or KleinertB@wlu.edu)
Sheryl Salm, Lewis Hall 105 (540-458-8482 or SalmS@wlu.edu)
Other Notaries on W&L's campus are listed online.
 |
The Patent Bar Exam is administered throughout the year at commercial testing centers at a date and time determined by the registrant. For information on registration for the Patent Exam, please see the USPTO Registration page. |
** Important Updates and Source Materials **
The USPTO updated the registration examination on October 13, 2020. No exams were administered between October 6-12, 2020.
The updated examination covers the subject matter designated as “BEGINNING OCTOBER 13, 2020” in the source materials, including the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP), Ninth Edition, Revision 08.2017. Please be advised that the updated examination additionally covers Amendments to the Rules of Practice for Trials Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (81 Fed. Reg. 18750, April 1, 2016) (allowing for testimonial evidence in a preliminary response to petition).
The examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions over two 3-hour sessions. Ten of the questions are unscored beta questions. The reference materials tested will be available on the computer delivering the exam questions. To pass the exam, you must correctly answer sixty-three (63) of the ninety (90) scored questions (i.e., 70% of the scored questions).
Ordinarily, testers will receive unofficial results at the test center immediately upon completion of the exam. Official notice of results will come from the USPTO generally within five business days from the date of the exam.
“If you pass, you will receive a notice stating that you passed the examination and further instructions for completing the registration process. You must complete the Data Sheet and Oath or Affirmation forms and submit them to OED along with the $200.00 registration fee within 2 years of mailing of the notice of results or you will be required to retake the registration examination. Upon satisfactory completion of a moral character investigation and receipt of the completed Data Sheet and Oath or Affirmation, you will be registered as a patent agent. If you are an attorney and file a certificate of good standing issued within the past six months from the highest court of a state with your Data Sheet form, you will be registered as a patent attorney. Please note: You may not hold yourself out as a registered practitioner until OED has given your application final approval. If you do not pass the examination, you will be notified of your score and receive information on how to schedule an optional review session at the commercial review center of your choice. During the review session, you will be able to review the scored questions you answered incorrectly. Questions answered correctly and questions skipped/not answered are not reviewable. The cost of the review session is payable to Prometric. You have 60 days from the mailing of the notice of results to schedule and complete your review session. You may reapply for admission to the examination by submitting the applicable form and fees. Upon reapplication, you will not be required to submit any supporting documents previously furnished to OED. You must, however, update previous responses if there has been a change.”
There are multiple resources that provide sample questions and answers for the Patent Exam:
Patent bar study flashcards by 
